DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. INSTEAD FOCUS ON WHAT YOU HAVE

This is appraisal season. And most companies have strict HR policies that dictate that employees can’t discuss the hike in their salaries among themselves. The exercise is perhaps aimed at ensuring that people do not feel disconcerted if they compare their hikes and learn that a colleague in the same rank has been given a better raise.

Maybe, this is a policy that we could adapt in life too - let’s not compare. However, here’s the catch. Unlike an appraisal letter, which is privately delivered to the person it is intended for; in life, the laurels that those around us win are visible to us. Hence we end up comparing and feeling unhappy: “Why should she get so much, when I deserve it too.” “I work so much harder, and he has all the luck.” The questions are endless, as is the feeling of dejection that often manifests itself in the form of jealously, or even hatred.

But where will comparing lead us? It definitely cannot get us a share in the higher salary of the colleague or the bigger house that a neighbour may have bought. It can at best give us some anxious, unsettled thoughts. Think of it like this: Achievements, material or otherwise, are a matter of perspective. What your neighbour has may be a matter of envy for you, but what you have, many may never be able to achieve or dream of. So, let’s focus on bettering what we have, not comparing what others do. Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal