The subject of comparing yourself to others has been pressed upon my heart lately. As a writer with a heart for encouraging others, I recently penned an article inspiring women to embrace their own uniqueness, rather than focusing on how they fail to measure up to their peers.
In a society that says you should be a certain size, have a particular social and economic status, and obtain success by a certain age, it can be discouraging when the reality of your life fails to meet the world's standards of a "good life".
This often causes one to become insecure in who they are, and feelings of inferiority creep in and produce low self-esteem. More often than not, the person experiencing these feelings believe they need to conform to what others do in order to obtain the life they have.
This also happens in the professional world.
When I first started out as a writer, I compared myself to those who, in my eyes, were much better than me. I became so discouraged, and almost gave up on my dream, simply because I believed that I would never measure up to other prolific writers.
However, there were a few things I failed to remember, but, once reminded, helped me to take my focus off of how I didn't measure up to my colleagues, onto how I wasn't designed to be compared to anyone else.
I want to share what I discovered with you.
- You were created in God's image, not man's. Therefore, it is not necessary that you measure up to anyone else. You are to be a reflection of Him; not a carbon-copy of your peers.
- Your gifts, talents, and purpose is unique to God's design for your life. Though you may share similar gifts and talents as others, the overall plan for how the Lord will use what He has implanted within you differs completely.
- God sets the time-table for your life, not the time-frame of the accomplishments of others. Your career will sky-rocket in God's perfect timing. As long as you are walking in His will to the best of your knowledge and ability, and putting in the necessary work, He will promote you according to His perfect plan for your life. To everything there is a season; don't despise small beginnings.
- If the Lord placed a dream in your heart, He will bring it to manifestation. Trust that He will provide you with everything you need to birth the vision He's given YOU.
Everything about you, including your professional journey, is incomparable. It's great to pull inspiration and glean wisdom from others, but at the end of the day, you must follow the unique path God has for you - which is neither superior nor inferior to that of anyone else.
"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that...Don't compare yourself with others."
~Galatians 6:4, The Message~
NOTE: LRC Editing would love to speak with you about your writing journey, and is now offering FREE 20-minute consultations. Email me at LCollins@LRCEditing.com to schedule your appointment. Happy Writing!
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