San Francisco – Comparisons can be beneficial. Find out how.
Comparison can be beneficial – Alcatraz
Comparisons can be beneficial. I found this out in an unexpected place – Alcatraz.
Alcatraz is possibly San Francisco’s most infamous destination. Imagining Alcatraz as a functioning prison was harrowing. The jeering and shouting would have echoed through the stark cells, against the metal surfaces. Ricocheting retorts booming from all angles. I couldn’t help but compare my life to life in Alcatraz. I was so grateful that my only connection with this place was as a museum tour.
Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, said “Comparison is the thief of joy”.
Comparison can be detrimental, but it can also be beneficial. From my perspective Alcatraz was the thief of joy, so when I compared by life to that, I was on the right side of the bars.
Comparisons are not clear cut
Comparisons are not clear cut. Looking into comparisons it seems that:
- if you come out ahead then the comparison is ok – Unless you leave others feeling inferior
- If you come out feeling inferior then the comparison could be unhealthy – Unless you’re striving for an achievable goal then comparison is ok
- if you’re striving for the unobtainable it’s a recipe for disaster.
Comparisons at Work
At work I compare:
- my deliverables against my targets – Am I reaching them?
- the quality of my reports over time – Are they getting better?
At work I don’t compare:
- myself against others
Many years ago I worked for an accounting firm. A life-long friend and I discovered that if we compared ourselves to a very capable, charismatic and bright colleague we were left deflated. I’ll always admire this colleague, but now I know my work colleagues are for collaboration not comparison. I’ve also recognised that I have my own strengths and abilities, so I know it’s ok not to be the same as other people.
Comparisons in Life
In life I compare:
- my accomplishments over time – acknowledging my achievements
I was listening to an interview this afternoon. A violinist was saying she won a gold medal in the first violin performance competition she entered. As I was thinking that was impressive, I remembered that I won a sewing machine by entering an outfit in a fashion design competition. At 15. We all have different talents.
I invite you to recognise your talents and acknowledge your accomplishments. Let me know something you’re proud of in the comments.
In life I don’t compare:
- myself to unobtainable illusions
I love Instagram. I follow creative artists who take photos, sketch, make stained glass windows, make animated movies with felt. Another theme I love seeing on Instagram is stunning places around the world. For me it’s a great way to travel – all these beautiful locations right there on my phone.
Social media can get a bad wrap given so many images are enhanced. I’ve never had an interest in following influencers. Anyone who portrays their life is ‘perfect’ is delusional. Everyone’s life has ups and downs. Understanding that is my foundation for riding the waves in the storm the best way I can.
Let me know what comparisons you’re making. Are they beneficial?