We’ve all been there: being jealous of others’ success when scrolling through social media, watching someone else’s success story unfold, or hearing about another person’s achievements. Jealousy is a natural human emotion that can strike anyone, regardless of their personal or professional situation. However, jealousy of other people’s success can hold you back from reaching your potential.
While it’s completely normal to feel this way from time to time, it’s totally possible to overcome these feelings and start celebrating others’ achievements without that nagging jealousy in the back of your mind.
So, why do we get jealous of others’ success? How to stop being jealous of others’ success?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why this happens and provide powerful tips on overcoming jealousy and embracing your unique journey to success.
Why Do I Feel Jealous of Others’ Success?
Have you stopped and asked yourself: Why are you feeling jealous? What is the real reason? The root of jealousy often lies in our own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. Understanding jealousy and its root cause can help you overcome it.
I remember a few years ago when I was working tirelessly at a job I wasn’t particularly passionate about but was too scared to quit or change careers. Around the same time, a close friend of mine just graduated and joined her dad’s very successful business. It was like everything was given to her to lead the perfect life and I was working 50 hours a day to come back unhappy and unsuccessful.
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It wasn’t that her success or her having more money was the problem, it was the realization that she was living the kind of life I had wanted for myself. At first I tried to convince myself that I was happy for her, but I realized very quickly that I actually had to reevaluate my own path and my life decisions.
Everytime you feel jealous of your friend’s successes or other people’s achievements, take a minute and ask yourself: why am I so jealous of others’ success?
People often feel jealousy of others’ success due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Comparison and Self-Esteem: It is natural to compare yourself to others, who are more successful, when you are feeling inadequate or have a low self-esteem.
- Unmet Goals and Aspirations: If you have a goal that is unmet, someone else’s achievement can trigger jealousy, especially if those achievements align with your own unfulfilled goals.
- Fear of Being Left Behind: Success can change social dynamics and hierarchies. People may fear losing their current standing or relationships as others move ahead, creating a sense of jealousy.
We tend to compare ourselves to others and feel jealous of others’ success when we perceive that they’re doing better than us. This may be due to our competitive nature, fear of missing out (FOMO), or even societal pressure to conform to specific success standards.
But don’t worry! You’re not alone.
Studies have shown that envy affects people of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s essential to recognise that these feelings are normal and, more importantly, that they can be managed and overcome.
A famous quote by Buddha says “Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.”
Let’s have a look at how we can obtain this peace of mind.
How to Stop Being Jealous of Others’ Success?
As established earlier, we are just humans and jealousy is a common emotion that every human faces in their lives. It’s totally normal and overcoming jealousy is totally possible.
Let’s have a little chat about eight ways to help you stop being jealous of others’ success, shall we?
1. Practice Gratitude
You know, sometimes, all it takes to kick envy to the curb is a little gratitude. Start by thinking about all the wonderful things you have in your life. What are you grateful for? Focusing on the positives can help put things into perspective and make you realize that everyone’s journey is unique and there’s no need to feel jealous of others’ success.
Consider keeping a gratitude journal to track the positive aspects of your life. Writing down what you’re thankful for each day can shift your mindset from envy to appreciation, making it easier to see the good in your own life.
2. Set Your Own Goals
Let’s talk about you for a second. What are your goals and dreams? It’s important to have something to strive for, so set some personal goals, like early retirement, that align with your values and interests. Instead of dwelling on other people’s achievements, concentrate on your own goals and aspirations.
Develop a personal roadmap for success by setting realistic, attainable objectives and celebrating your milestones along the way. I remember sitting down with a pen and paper and making a list of all my tasks on one side and my long term goals on the other.
Every time I checked one thing from my tasks, it meant that I was one step closer to achieving my long term goals. This really helped me get a sense of control of my own life.
This way, you’ll be more focused on your own progress and less likely to feel envious of others.
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3. Celebrate Their Success
Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Celebrating someone else’s success is a powerful way to overcome jealousy. Instead of feeling bitter or envious, try to genuinely be happy for them and be a positive part of the other person’s success.
After all, their achievements don’t take away from your own potential success.
A positive outlook might be just the thing you need to overcome others’ success. This also encourages you to practice self-acceptance that positively impacts your own successes.
You know how they say that success is contagious – If you can praise others, you will definitely learn to praise yourself.
Once you stop being jealous and start retrospecting, new gates can open in life with an open mind.
4. Learn from Their Success
Instead of feeling threatened by others’ achievements, try to learn from other’s success. So, what can you learn from their achievements? Instead of feeling jealous, try to see their success as a learning opportunity.
What strategies, habits, or skills did they use to get there? You might discover valuable insights to help you achieve your goals.
Instead of eyeing on other people’s success, analyze what strategies they used, and consider implementing similar tactics in your own journey to success. This approach will help you transform envy into motivation and inspiration.
5. Focus on Self-Improvement
Hey, pobody’s nerfect, right? We all have areas we can improve in. Instead of letting envy consume you, use that energy to work on self-improvement.
Learn a new skill, develop a new hobby, or take a course to enhance your knowledge by perhaps reading everyday. The more you grow as a person, the less likely you’ll be to feel jealous of others.
Recognise that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s perfectly normal to experience setbacks or challenges in life.
The key is to understand that you have to stop focusing on what’s going on in other people’s lives and start paying attention to yourself.
6. Surround Yourself with Positivity
You know what they say: you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, if you’re constantly surrounded by people who are negative or envious, it’s bound to rub off on you. Try to surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who inspire you to be your best self.
Having a strong support system can make a huge difference in overcoming jealousy. This is something I have learnt from personal experience. I was always surrounded by people who loved picking on negative things about everyone. Slowly I started noticing myself doing the same. Who you are surrounded with makes a huge impact on your personal attitude.
Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you, encourage your growth, and celebrate your successes.
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7. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. You might just be comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Focus on your own path, and try not to worry about how it measures up to someone else’s. Once you stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own journey, you will see just how easy it is to be proud of your own accomplishments.
Remember you are the only person who can help yourself to overcome jealousy of others’ success.
8. Embrace Your Own Successes
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your own successes and achievements! Another person’s success should not come in the way of your own.
Take the time to appreciate your hard work and accomplishments. Pat yourself on the back, and remember that your successes are just as valuable as anyone else’s.
What is happening in someone’s life does not and should not affect your own achievements.
Celebrating your accomplishments reinforces your self-worth and gives you the sense of confidence to keep a positive attitude.
Transforming Jealousy Into Motivation
So, there you have it—eight ways to stop being jealous of others’ success and to help you overcome envy and start appreciating other people’s success without feeling jealous of others.
It might not be easy, but with a little effort and self-awareness, you’ll soon find that jealousy has no place in your life and you will stop envying others success.
Now, go out there and spread some positive vibes!
