We’ve all heard the saying, “comparison is the thief of joy,” and we’re likely bombarded with reasons to avoid it. You might even have inspirational quotes about the dangers of comparison bookmarked, yet breaking free from this habit feels incredibly challenging.
You’re definitely not alone.
Humans are wired to compare. However, in my journey to overcome the scarcity mindset we’ve been conditioned into, I’ve discovered a beautiful transformation. As I’ve explored and nurtured an abundance consciousness, particularly around finances, I’ve witnessed its positive ripple effect across all aspects of my life.
Recently, I was listening to a podcast featuring two highly intellectual individuals discussing current events. These were academics with advanced degrees, and I must admit, such discussions often triggered feelings of inadequacy within me.
The trigger? Feeling intellectually inferior. It’s a vulnerability rooted in my family’s history of poverty and my personal choice to prioritize starting a family young instead of pursuing higher education immediately. My academic path involved community college later and certifications in Applied Art & Design.
In the past, listening to such conversations would unleash my inner critic. It would relentlessly compare me to these accomplished individuals, highlighting what I perceived as my shortcomings. This internal berating would operate beneath the surface, so ingrained it was almost invisible. Consequently, I’d finish listening feeling inexplicably deflated and inadequate.
But this time, something shifted. As I listened, a different thought emerged:
“Wow, their perspectives are so different from mine. That’s incredible! How wonderful that these individuals are passionate about intricate details, facts, and systems. How amazing that there are minds wired to delve into structures and complexities (that would overwhelm me!). It’s fantastic that their passion aligns perfectly with their abilities!”
“And equally wonderful that people like me exist – dreamers, visionaries, and forward-thinkers who envision new possibilities and communicate through emotions as much as logic. How brilliant that our diverse talents complement each other! How enriching that these seemingly opposite strengths converge to create mutual benefit!”
This change in perspective is partly attributed to my ongoing self-worth journey. However, a significant factor is dismantling the scarcity mindset. Scarcity breeds the belief that there’s limited space, forcing an “either/or” mentality. In that scarcity-driven space, I felt compelled to either diminish them or myself. I defaulted to self-deprecation through comparison, focusing on perceived inferiority instead of recognizing our inherent differences. Instead of appreciating both my strengths and theirs. Instead of acknowledging that there’s ample room for both personality types, and for our unique gifts and contributions, and indeed for all types with diverse strengths.
Scarcity whispers that resources are finite, there’s only one path to success, only one “right” way, and never enough for everyone. It’s a falsehood.
That day, my abundance mindset superseded the old, ingrained patterns. It affirmed: “How beautiful that there’s room for everyone, how magnificent that there’s space for all these diverse perspectives, and how wonderfully it all harmonizes!”
Instead of turning off the podcast or retreating into self-doubt, I remained engaged and experienced several profound “aha” moments that genuinely shifted my perspective in real-time.
Something rooted in facts and figures resonated deeply on an emotional level, bringing healing to a generational wound within me. I would have completely missed this transformative moment had I succumbed to the limiting belief that I wasn’t “good enough” to listen.
So, today I want to share that the opposite of comparison is LOVE.
Because when you release comparison, you create space – ample space for yourself and for everyone else. You embrace “both/and” possibilities (rejecting scarcity’s “either/or” trap). You dismantle the internal battle of right and wrong, superior and inferior, worthy and unworthy. You end that internal conflict, and by doing so, you embody the peace you wish to see in the world.
The actual antonym of “compare” is “contrast.” Did you realize that? To compare is to seek similarities (and then, often, to descend into despair if similarities aren’t found!). But to contrast is to explore differences. I believe it’s always more insightful to recognize and value both.
Don’t you agree? Our differences can actually strengthen our connections. The notion that harmony and peace stem from sameness is a complete fallacy. Scarcity thinking and fear propagate this lie, and it’s time to dismantle it, starting with ourselves.
It’s time to deeply internalize and embody the truth that there is enough, and that you are enough. Let’s stop diminishing ourselves and others with the false narrative of scarcity.
I cannot dictate this for the world, but I can choose it for myself. And for me, it ends now. I will no longer fuel that system, empowering its negativity through my belief in it.
Consider it an energetic vote cast for your own future, and the future of the world. There’s a proposal for abundance for all, or scarcity (limited resources leading to conflict and competition). Which are you choosing?
We truly possess the power to shape a new world – both our personal world and the collective one we share. But lasting external change always originates from an internal shift.
That’s where transformation begins – within.
As my mindset has shifted towards abundance, my reality has mirrored that change. Five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the profound beauty my life now holds. It’s not flawless or devoid of challenges, but it’s richer and more liberating than I ever conceived possible. All it required was consistently answering the inner call. And that’s all it takes for you too, one small step at a time.
xo Sunni
If you’d like support in answering that call, I’d be honored to assist you… Explore my Feast or Famine No More Course & Membership and see if it resonates with you »
