I’ll never forget the last day of our family vacation this past summer. We were all set to sit on the bluff of the camp grounds with the people we love eating roasted marsh mellows, singing songs, and laughing the night away. I wish I could say that’s what unfolded. Unfortunately, this is what happened instead.
Our 2 year old decided to have a meltdown and put a damper on things. Why do I share this? In a world where everyone is putting their Highlight Reel on Facebook, it’s easy for us to get discouraged. We compare ourselves to others. Why don’t we have nice things like those people? Or a happy marriage like that couple? Why don’t my workouts seem as awesome as theirs? I want to give you a serious warning. This is a very dangerous game to play.
The reality is that it’s easy for other people to look better than they actually are. I’ve seen people posting pics of all their nice homes and cars only to go bankrupt a short while after. Unfortunately I’ve seen couples posting about their amazing marriage only to see them wind up in divorce.
We should be happy when we see people doing well but this is why it’s so important to worry about our own goals, not what other people are doing.
Oftentimes, people treat others not as they actually are but as they are perceived to be. While some of the perception may be true, some of it may not. Most people don’t know the full story behind your journey so it’s important you make decisions based on your true self, not on some perception.
For example, maybe you’ve started making some better choices in a particular area (e.g. food choices, financial decisions, etc.). Deep down, you know that anything worthwhile takes time. However, someone makes a stupid comment which causes you to change course. There are all types of reasons for these comments including the person’s own insecurity.
You’re doing much better than you think you are. Keep moving forward a little at a time and you’ll be amazed at how your life can change.
“Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.” ― Alfred A. Montapert
Unfortunately many people will make negative comments when they see you making positive choices. Oftentimes it’s because deep down they wish they were making positive changes. Just ignore them and keep doing your thing. We got your back!
Billy Hofacker – Owner & Transformation Coach at Total Body Boot Camp – BS, CSCS