There is no such thing as pretty, or rich, or successful. These only exist in comparison to other people. So what’s the problem with that?

Simple, our default comparison, or reference point, is usually a terrible choice. We always pick someone prettier, richer, or more successful, then we feel like a failure.

The problem is that there is always someone prettier, richer, or more successful, so you can always choose a reference point that makes you feel bad about yourself.

So, what should you do? The next time you find yourself making a comparison between you and someone else, really stop and think about the reference point you are choosing. Is it actually realistic? If it isn’t, then think about adjusting it to a more realistic place.

Or better yet, try to compare you to you. Are you making more money than you did before? Are you in better shape than you were before? Are you more successful than you were before?

If you focus on your own personal growth, you can always be happy and feel good about yourself.