The consequence of the competitive state of modern life

My friend felt crushed when he came across a post on social media that highlighted someone else's activities. This was a person he didn’t know at all, and he had no control or influence over their choices.

Despite this lack of connection, he allowed that single post to derail his long-term project. This project was important, meaningful, and something he had invested a lot of energy into.

His reaction is not unusual. Many people face similar situations daily. We often allow our emotions, work habits, and even major life decisions to be swayed or dictated by the actions of others.

Whether it’s a stunning vacation photo or an impressive professional achievement shared online, these glimpses into other people's lives can greatly affect our self-perception. This tendency to compare ourselves to others is unhealthy and unsustainable.

I reminded my friend that he had no power over what others expressed online. He couldn't change the messages that filled LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. The façade of success presented by others was beyond his control. What he could control was his response to these external influences.

I urged him to stay focused on his own work. Thankfully, after taking some time to recover and regain his sense of self-worth, he chose to do just that. He discovered a healthier starting point by shifting his mindset. He made a conscious effort to forget about what others were sharing online.

He understood that he could not impact the actions of others, nor could he change what they chose to display. What mattered more was that he remained committed to his project and trusted his own abilities. By shifting his focus from comparison to concentration on his work, he found a sense of peace and was able to move forward.

This is not, however, an easy task. The urge to compare ourselves to others runs deep in our society.

We live in a competitive culture that has shaped our understanding of success from an early age. From childhood, we are conditioned to measure our achievements. In school, grades determine our worth, and in the workplace, productivity and promotions drive our ambitions. This competitive mindset dominates our perception of success.

We feel pressure to outperform others constantly—whether it’s colleagues or even ourselves. It is a race to be the best, the fastest, and the most accomplished. Social media intensifies this competition. We are not just aware of what close friends are doing; we are inundated with images of people from all walks of life showcasing their highlights.

This constant exposure can lead to feelings of inferiority, as there always appears to be someone achieving more. In these moments, we overlook a crucial fact: the images and posts we see represent only a small portion of reality.

We often do not witness the challenges, failures, and insecurities that these individuals experience. When we do find out about these struggles, they are usually shared in a narrative that emphasizes overcoming hardship, further deepening our sense of inadequacy.

This cycle can be overwhelming. Recognizing the impact it has on our mental health is vital. In a world where real success is often obscured by curated online personas, it is essential to refocus on our own journeys instead of measuring ourselves against others.

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