People need to stop this, or they'll never be happy

People need to stop comparing themselves to others, or happiness will always elude them.

Someone will always be smarter. Someone will always be more attractive. Someone will always be younger. Someone will always be more popular.

But they will never be you.

Society makes being "the best" out to be the Holy Grail, but is uniqueness not more important?

We bring a unique combination of qualities, skills, and quirks to the table -- ones that make us who we are.

By comparing yourself to other people, you're essentially saying there is a standard against which you wish to compare yourself. This, for many people, leads to a sudden urge to want to be more like others, thereby relinquishing key facets of their individuality.

Sure, you might admire smart, health-conscious, or stylish people and wish to surround yourself with those of that ilk so as to learn a few things from them.

However, that should never translate into abandoning the very goals, principles, attitudes, and preferences that differentiate you from others.

For example, just because you admire someone's intellect doesn't mean you suddenly have to read Bloomberg, watch History Channel, or traipse from one museum to another like they do.

And just because you think they look great in plaid skirts and knee high boots doesn't mean you have to mimic their dressing habits.

Comparing your possessions, salary, or other lifestyle factors to others' -- whether it's your next door neighbor or someone who clutters your Newsfeed on Facebook -- serves no purpose other than to leave you feeling despondent.

Forget about what others are doing, buying, and wearing. Live life on your own terms.

If you must compare yourself to someone, why not yourself?

You can better gauge how well you're doing by comparing your life today to how it was 6 months or even a year ago -- and go from there. If you sense there's room for improvement, effect change based on what you desire deep down, not what your coworkers, friends, or acquaintances are doing.

Never be pressured into following fads because "everyone else is doing it." Remember, there's only one of you in the world. You're wonderful just as you are, so don't allow anyone to lead you to think otherwise.

We all have something to contribute to the world. Let your individuality shine through.

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