In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind. Social media often makes this worse by showing us everyone else’s achievements and milestones. But it’s important to remember: you’re not behind in life. There is no set timetable we all must follow. The idea of being “behind” is just a social construct. A thought thats in your mind. Influenced a lot by social conditioning.
Comparing ourselves to others, whether at work or in life, can make us feel inadequate. You might see a colleague getting promoted or a friend buying a house and suddenly feel like you’re not doing enough. But with 8 billion people on this planet, everyone’s path is different. What’s early or late? Compared to whom? Ever asked yourself if the question itself is relevant ?
Philosophers like Epictetus have reminded us that true happiness comes from within, not from what we achieve. He said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” This means that contentment is about wanting less, not having more. Modern psychology supports this, showing that constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of sadness and low self-worth. Instead, focusing on your own goals and progress can make you happier.
In the workplace, it’s easy to feel pressured to keep up. But remember, career paths are not straight lines. Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg, said, “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” This means there are many ways to reach your goals, and not everyone’s journey will look the same.
So, how can you change your mindset? Start by celebrating your own achievements, no matter how small. Set goals that matter to you, not ones based on what others are doing.
Remember, your life is on its own schedule, and everything is happening right on time. Life is not a race. Trust your journey, be kind to yourself, and appreciate where you are right now. You’re exactly where you need to be.
