Episode 4, Video 3: How can comparing yourself to those who are seemingly making a lot of money be inspiring rather than defeating?
March 23, 2010 Good morning everybody! Are you ready for installment #3 of our series about money? I hope so, because this one is a goodie!
This week we're talking about money comparisons. How do you react when you encounter someone who seems to be making more money than you, or is more successful than you? Does it inspire you? Make you feel jealous? Defeated? The 4 of us have a variety of experiences around this topic, and I'm feeling really inspired by the different viewpoints!
Please let us know what you think in the comments-- we'd love to get a great conversation going! I think this is something that a lot of us deal with, especially on the internet, where everyone you admire looks successful and perfect, right?
And also, don't forget that when you leave us a comment, you're entered into the giveaway for three Bright Side necklaces (designed by Jess LC)-- we're giving three to one lucky person, so they can keep one and give the other two to friends or family or strangers or whoever you want!
Comments must be posted by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, April 2 , 2010. We'll use random.org to select the recipient. The recipients will be announced on SpringInspiration.com on Monday, April 3, 2010.
And, one last thing, we are seriously the world's worst RSS feed administrators-- we have no idea what happened, but our feed seems to have disappeared again! So, if you were subscribed before and aren't now, we are so sorry, and we'd love it if you'd subscribe again right here! And if you aren't subscribed at all yet, please sign up! Then the updates will be delivered straight to your feed reader. Easy as pie.
Enjoy the video, and we can't wait to hear what you have to say about this topic!
Reader Comments (8)
It's so true that the internet can be draining when you see so many others out there, seemingly making more money and so much more successful and well known than yourself... but maybe that's just how it looks like on the outside. I want to believe that there is room for all of us to be successful though. If too much inspiration causes jealousy, go take some time for yourself to reconnect with your passion, I think that helps! Interested to hear what others think! :)
I love that you can all come together and share your insight and stories and apply it to how you can help your business or frame of mind. very insightful vlog or webcast.
thanks ladies!
Making comparisons is something I try not to do because I find it discouraging. Sometimes it's hard not to though. I think it's important to remember that each of us is different and everyone brings their own views/ideas/creativity to the table. I'm really looking forward to watching the video as soon as I have some spare moments, thanks ladies!!
Love that you undertook this conversation. It's good to be reminded to look for the inspiration rather than focus on the jealousy.
I really appreciated this post as well... and I love the format of this conversation.
Anytime we make comparisons with someone else it doesn't help... we either feel superior or inferior - neither of which helps us in our own journey!
Continue the great work I love the site!
I really think the key in this question is the word "seemingly". Nice website designs, awesome logos, and lots of comments - but that doesn't mean they are making money. Great furniture, lots of vacations - they could be living outside of their means on credit cards. Now, when I see someone who is "seemingly making a lot of money" I'm not mentally listing these things and living in a world of schadenfreude. I want good things for friends and strangers alike. However, we are all human and as much as I fight it, sometimes I slip into a a thought pattern of comparing myself. When I catch myself in those situations, as Carolyn was saying, I remind myself that life is complex, and a lot of pieces and people go into making a full and happy life. I remind myself that I'm seeing one aspect of this persons life that appears enviable, and while I hope the other areas of their life are good, I simply do not know. But what I do know is my life and my mantra in these situations is "What is supposed to be good is good." Because for me, what is supposed to be good are my relationships with my husband, family, and close friends - and they are good. Very good. By turning my moment of envy into a reflective moment of pride, I usually shake off any jealousy or worse, schadenfreude.
*Side note - the happiness psych literature strongly suggests that "comparing yourself to others" more strongly predicts unhappiness than other factors. I also remind myself of that little fact whenever I'm tempted to feel envious.
I don't necessarily think that more money = more successful, so I try not to make comparisons :)
I'm really looking forward to watching the video as soon as I have some spare moments, thanks ladies!!