It might be embarrassing to say but—I am a certified inggitera.
When I see other people do better than me, I can't help but envy them. It might be human nature, but I am never contented of what I currently have or do.
As I've said before, I'm not the type of person who is okay with getting stuck. That's why when I see others progress, I want the same to happen to me.
I know inggit is a bad thing. Insecurity eats up a person and sometimes leads us to doing/thinking negatively toward others.
That is why I came up with this solution that I try to live up to and I'd like to emphasize again:
Turn your insecurities into improvements.
Instead of looking at those people who do better as threats, you should see them as inspiration. They inspire you to do better because, hey, if they can do it, so can you, right?
I mean—
Yes, you can dye your hair with that color you've always wanted to have.
Yes, you can also start your own online business. Yes, you can take up another degree or your post-grad.
Yes, you can also travel to those places.
Yes, you can have a fulfilling career.
It takes guts and a lot of effort to start working on something you want to achieve. And who knows, one day you'll be of the same level or even better than those people whom you get inspiration from.
However, always draw the line between improving and copying. Imitating someone's accomplishments especially when they're still basking on their success won't make you a better person. Being a copycat and overshadowing other people won't do you any good.
I came across this Sanskrit term which I think is relevant.
"Muditā"
Muditā means "the pleasure that comes from delighting in other people's well-being."
I believe it's best for us to be happy with other people's successes rather than envying them and dragging them down. Not only it is counter-productive, but it would also reflect badly in our character.
Some even resort to gossiping and bad-mouthing those who are doing well, thinking that this will make them look good. It doesn't, you rumor-mongering monster.
Instead, why not ask the successful people about their story and how they did it? Or ask for tips that you can you use in your own journey? In this way, you're not only motivated by them, but you're also gaining their support.
Turn these insecurities into something that will make your life even better.
And be happy for those who already did.
***
(Personal note: Hey, thank you for reading all the way through! I'd be grateful if you share your thoughts on this topic as well. You may message me in my social media platforms and tell me what you think.
I'll be trying my best to sustain this blog and share the other stuff that randomly goes through my head. Thank you again!)