If you’re feeling stagnant in life, it’s time to stop comparing yourself to those around you. Find peace with the present, and the freedom to move forward.
BY: COURTNEY FERREIRA, MS, RD, LDN
How often do these thoughts creep into your mind?
“I wish I had a body like that.”
“I wish I had that much self control around food”
“I wish I had that discipline to work out.”
“I wish I could travel more.”
I wish I had a different job.”
“I wish I had a partner to share my life with.”
It is often too easy to compare ourselves to others, or to what we think life should look like. However, if we’re always looking for perfection, we can’t make any progress. Instead, we fall into a trap where we stay stagnant because we are too preoccupied with what we don’t have.
Simply put, being unsatisfied with your life will keep more doors closed.
Here are a few ways to help you work through your thoughts and create a more positive outlook:
1. Confide in yourself.
Whether it be in a physical or digital journal, writing down your thoughts can help you work through what’s on your mind without any fear of judgement. Be honest with yourself and recognize what your strengths and weaknesses are, not those of others. These are traits that will prioritize areas to focus your efforts on, and others that you may need more time and resources to develop.
When you stop comparing and just focus on yourself, you will begin to recognize your skills and qualities go far beyond the way you look or what career you have. You will be surprised how much you are able to work through just by putting down your words, and start projecting confidence.
2. Confide in others.
Getting feedback from others allows you to reflect your internal thoughts off a mirror to fully see what’s in front of you. Make sure you pick a friend, partner, family member that is non-judgmental, or consider a therapist or life coach. Whoever that is, they must be someone who can listen without judgment and provide feedback with complete honesty in an objective way.
3. Move mindfully.
For some, exercise can be used as an escape. However, if you use intense workouts to push aside your thoughts, you won’t make them go away. It may cause more resentment, and build up anger and lead to more frustration. Rather than pushing your feelings and emotions aside, acknowledge and honor why they exist. Walking, leisurely running, yoga, or working out with a friend are all ways that you can reconnect your body and mind in order to work through the process and push past the negativity.
When we find enjoyment in what we have and in who we are in the present, we can embrace life and accept the path we are on. By shifting your perspective to recognize that dissatisfied areas in our lives are simply those we surround with negativity and fear, you can set yourself free.
Ultimately, what we think is what will be.
Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: KAROLINE GRABOWSKA
Courtney Ferreira, MS, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian based in Baltimore, MD with a passion for helping individuals reach their health and wellness through flavorful whole foods and freedom from counting calories, fat, and minutes on a treadmill. For more insightful tips on living your healthiest life, visit Courtney at the RealFoodCourt.