You Are Not Behind

Have you ever felt you were lagging behind family, friends, or just life itself? I have. I think it’s incredibly easy to catch yourself comparing yourself to others and seeing if your accomplishments match up or surpass theirs. Everyone I know has told me a story of comparing themselves to others who they think has the perfect or better life. Some have told me they feel like they are behind in their education, and therefore must graduate as soon as possible as to make up for lost time. Others told me they feel like they have not accomplished enough at their age even though they are (in my opinion) rather young.

As a millennial myself, I think this mindset has been drilled into my brain ever since I was young. I think I can speak for many, if not, all students who feel as if a large part of their self-worth is based on the grades and achievements we are able to obtain. Of course, I strongly believe that a proper education is absolutely vital for all individuals. But going through such unhealthy levels of stress to get a near-perfect GPA seems rather unjust and unfair to me.

In response to these thoughts, I think it’s incredibly important to remember that everyone moves at their own pace. We, as humans, don’t live identical lives so why do we expect to move and accomplish goals at the same time as others? Comparing yourself to others definitely won’t make you any happier or do any favours to your self-esteem. Speaking from experience, every time I’ve compared my own life with someone else’s, I feel as if I haven’t accomplished enough. This often ends with pushing myself even harder towards my goals in an unhealthy way. To combat these tendencies, I’ve acknowledged that life unravels at a different pace for all of us.

I hope that from now on, you will be more patient with yourself when you feel frustrated. Comparing your own life with others is unnecessary and harmful to yourself. Slow down and remember that you are not behind on life.

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