How Do We Stop Comparing Ourselves to Others?
I have a nagging problem. I compare my work and myself to others all the time.
Most often, it’s irrational and brought about by my insecurities. But, as a creative person, I need to make things. I also need those things to matter once they’re out in the world.
So the question is, “Where does my work stand?”
Comparison is an unfair game that fuels jealousy, contempt, and frustration. It holds us back from doing the work we are meant to do.
Searching for Captain America
This problem of “how do we avoid the trap of comparison?” reminded me of the TV series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. (TFATWS)
Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson. In the ever-expanding pantheon of comic book lore, each of these characters has donned the iconic name of “Captain America.”
But in TFATWS, Sam (Anthony Mackie) is faced with a genuine comparison to the original Captain America, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). When Steve leaves that life behind him, he passes it to Sam. We (as the audience) have been on the journey with Steve Rogers for nearly ten years and can’t help but compare Sam to Steve’s legendary missions and exploits.
I admit I did too.
We know where Rogers has been. We know what he was capable of. We know how he saved the world time and time again, no matter the cost.
And so, we compare two different men assuming they will be the same. But Sam’s journey is his own. His path to becoming Captain America is his own. By the end of the series (mild spoiler alert), Sam Wilson has transformed himself from The Falcon into Captain America. And he does it on his terms.
What was the turning point?
When Sam realizes that the world needs Captain America, he lets go of his ego and inner comparisons to Steve Rogers. Instead, he uses Captain America’s iconic shield and blends its use with the flight suit and fighting style he’s developed as The Falcon. The result is something new and fantastic.
Steve didn’t pass on the shield to Sam because he was a super-soldier like he was. He did it because Sam was a good man.
So, whenever you feel like comparing yourself to others, remember that your work is valuable to the world because you made it. You are the secret ingredient to your own success. You make it unique and worthwhile.
Just because someone else is successful doesn’t mean you can’t be too. You’re at a different stage of the journey, doing it your way.
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