In our daily lives, we notice people being compared to each other all the time. In every field, from academics to sports, comparison has become something normal. Students are being compared on the basis of their studies; adults are being compared on the basis of their salaries. It might seem insignificant and small at the surface level, but it is actually a serious issue at a deeper level. Looking around us, we see almost everyone being compared to each other. Even we ourselves are constantly being compared with others. It might be subtle or visible.
In schools, academics are the major base of comparison. Students are constantly being compared to each other by their teachers and their own families on the basis of their marks. Athletes are being compared on how many matches they have won. We are compared to each other on various bases. It could be our looks, intelligence, wealth, and whatnot. Sometimes, it is not others, but we ourselves who compare ourselves with other people.
It is said that comparison generates competition and brings out our potential to outshine others. But the question is, is it really true? In our lives, we come across many people who are suffering from depression, lack of confidence, and stage fright, and we even hear news of people taking their own lives. All this is because of constant comparison.
Being compared by others is one thing, but it is the comparison by our own family and people we are close to that leads to serious issues. Everyone is different in their own way; being bad at one thing does not necessarily mean you are bad at other activities. Comparing is not something that should be normalised.
I believe that comparing won't bring out your potential, but will lead to people not being appreciated. Instead of comparing people to one another, we should appreciate the efforts they make to be better - not to outshine others, but to be better than their past selves. Everyone is good in their own fields, but comparison makes them want to be better at other things rather than enhance their own skills.
It is a serious issue that should be dealt with. Little efforts from our side can make a big impact in someone's life.
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