“Comparison is the thief of joy,”
And if that’s true, then today’s world is one big heist. Everywhere you turn, someone’s got a shinier success story, a bigger house, or a fancier vacation spot. You weren’t put on this earth to measure your worth against someone else’s highlight reel. You were put here to run your own race—preferably without tripping over someone else’s finish line.
I don’t want a Ferrari, a Bugatti, a 20,000 sq ft house, a fleet of yachts, or a million YouTube views.
I just want to drive a normal car to the grocery store where no one knows me and take the occasional trip. Sure, I’d like more money—but why I going to compare myself to others?
The Pitfalls of Comparison
Comparing yourself to others can lead to:
- Feelings of inadequacy – Like a turtle trying to race a rabbit, you start believing you’re falling behind.
- Jealousy and resentment – Instead of tipping your hat to someone else’s success, you grit your teeth, wondering why it ain’t yours.
- Imposter syndrome – Even when you’ve earned your spot fair and square, you feel like you’re just faking your way through life.
But here’s the thing: what you see online is often a polished-up, spit-shined, half-truth version of reality. You’re comparing your behind-the-scenes bloopers to someone else’s greatest hits.
And like most old folks, I’m going to tell you a story.
A Tale of Two Computer Businesses
In 1984, a 19-year-old Michael Dell was a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin. Instead of focusing on pre-med studies, he was more interested in building and selling computers out of his dorm room. He started a company called PC’s Limited, selling 286 clones.
And so did I.
We both had warehouses and sold PCs through print magazine called Computer Shopper. It was getting crazy—I was spending close to $25k a month on advertising and selling around $300k a month. So was Dell.
By the time 1985 rolled around, Compaq released the 386, and suddenly, no one wanted to buy a 286. I had a thousand in stock. Then came the stock market crash of 1987, and I lost my sole investor. Dell, on the other hand, was able to refinance his business, rebrand as DELL, and survive. We both lost at least a million. He had better financing and stuck to his vision.
By 1992, he was on the Fortune 500 list. Me? I was building a computer service company and eyeing an IPO. By 1995, I was deep into the internet business while Dell launched Dell.com and started selling computers online.
But here’s where the comparison stops—because there’s no point. And that is the point. You are always comparing cats and dogs, Or dogs and fish. Everyone and everything is different.
Your Life is Your Life
Everyone makes different decisions, has different abilities, support systems, and knowledge—all of which shape their outcomes. Success isn’t guaranteed, and even if two people start from the same place, they won’t necessarily end up in the same destination.
I had a childhood friend. We went to the same schools, both had single moms, and both came from poor families. Many years later, I had found success and even gave him a job—one I honestly I later realized his problem. Today, we’re both 60. He still blames others for his problems. And he’s upset with me for being successful while he’s not.
I tell him: It’s too late for that. Enjoy the life you have. Stop chasing the dream, or you might never enjoy your reality.
So should I have chased Michael Dell’s success? Should my friend have chased mine? No. Everyone has their own journey, and you make the most of it—whatever that looks like for you.
Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
A person who constantly talks themselves down is like a farmer who keeps stepping on his own crops. The way you talk to yourself matters. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, why say it to yourself?
💡 Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” try “I’m learning, and that’s how I get better.”
The Only Race That Matters is Your Own
At the end of the day, success isn’t about standing on a taller hill than your neighbor—it’s about looking back and seeing how far you’ve climbed. Run your own race, and don’t worry about the folks sprinting ahead. Half of them don’t even know where they’re going.
And I hate to tell you this—but most of those Ferraris and private jets you see on YouTube? They’re rentals.
EXTRA CREDIT
MISTAKES – Mental Health Habits
Progressive Discontent
You can Escape the Grip of the Past
EQUALITY
Sometimes You Settle for Chicken over Lobster — And That’s Okay
Why You Ought to Quit Trying to Prove Yourself to Folks Who Don’t Matter
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