In a world that is always encouraging us to compare ourselves with others, the most powerful comparison is often forgotten–with ourselves.Perhaps just a year ago you were different. Maybe a few years back or even further, your whole life has changed direction. This isn’t looking back with nostalgia; it’s recognizing growth, understanding your journey, and appreciating how far you’ve come. Here’s why and how comparing your present self to your past self can be one of the most valuable tools for personal development.
Growth Isn’t Always Visible at First Glance
You may not notice how much you’ve changed until you stop and look. Think back to last year. Were you more fretful then? Less sure of yourself? Less able to do what now comes easily?Growth doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes it’s in the simple form of confidence that’s a little less shy, habits that are more healthful for body and mind, or decisions made earlier because today you are wiser.
Ask yourself
- How did I deal with challenges at that time, as opposed to now?
- What skills have I learned emotionally, mentally, or professionally in this time?
- What practices have I added or dropped?
Progress Over Perfection
When we compare ourselves to others, we often only see the edited version of their life. However, when you compare your present self with your past self, the focus is on growth rather than perfection.
It’s okay not to be exactly where you want to be yet. The big question is–are you moving ahead, even if only slightly forward?
Self-Comparison Builds Self-Awareness
When you look back, you will notice patterns. Maybe you used to say “yes” to everything and now you are learning to say “no.” Maybe you have grown more patient or more assertive/tolerant of your own or others’ mistakes.
In this kind of thinking, you will:
Keep your feet on the ground
Set modest goals
Enjoy the small things
Keeping real
4.Motivation, Not Judgement The secret is to Compare with compassion. When you have encountered a mistake or a struggle, tlet that be the motivation for self-correction rather than source of ammunition criticize yourself mercilessly. If you notice areas where you’ve been off track or in conflict with your values, usethat as an incentive to get back on course.’ I used to do morning workouts every day–that’s a really productive thought process. Shame and guilt rarely lead to lasting change, but real’ reflection does.
5.Your Journey Is Yours Alone Remember, your path is unique. Your former self of five years ago might be amazed (in a good way!) at how strong, resilient or self-aware you are today. Enjoy it. Do not underestimate the trans-formative power of improving oneself, not “better” than anyone else, not compared to yesterday but just in comparison with other versions of oneself.
The only person you should try to be better than is the one who were yesterday. That kind Growth of your own is idiosyncratic, not beyond reason but taken as it unfolds in front of you is much More realistic in. So the next time you feel stuck and down, take a second. Look back—not to do well on it but simply see how far you have come. People are beneficial to accept it.
