Don't You Dare Compare!

            If you find yourself comparing yourself to others and NOT measuring up, I have a simple solution - STOP!
  
            I think comparing yourself to others is one of the quickest ways to either depression or conceit.  I've been taught that whenever you don't think you're good enough, just focus on being a better YOU.  In other words, try to outperform yourself - compete against yourself.  Measure your success today based on who you were yesterday, last month, last year, last decade.  If you're not better than your former self, that just means you have work to do.

            I was also taught, when you start feeling you're "better" than everyone else, then compare yourself to Christ.  Because you'll quickly see how far you still have to go to be what he was, "perfect in character."  I think you get my point.

            Instead of worrying about who you're not and why you're not, focus on who and what you want to become, and start taking the necessary steps to get there.  I grew up in the hood, and I didn't always (and still don't) speak and write grammatically correct.  But I thank God I didn't sit there satisfied with where and who I was.
  
            I simply made a list of what I wanted to become and WHY - and then I created a checklist of things I wanted to improve in (i.e., speech, diction, writing, vocabulary).  Then I started making the necessary sacrifices and taking the necessary steps.  I bought vocabulary books to help me boost my knowledge of words.  I read and used grammar books (outside of school) to help me write better.  I bought speech tapes to help me improve my diction and pronunciation of words.  I think you get the point.  If you can't see yourself as you COULD be (i.e., successful and significant), then you'll never become what you SHOULD be (i.e. successful and significant).

            Well, I have to run, I'm getting ready to go a long road trip (speaking), and I have to get packing.  You're going to be fine.  Just stop focusing on what you're not, and thank God for what you are (alive, loved, in college, and still in the game) and where he's taking you (to achieve the desires of your heart).  Just make sure you do things for the right REASONS with a pure heart.  And whatever you lack, just ask God to supply.  That's what He's there for (to be relationship with you as He supplies ALL your needs according to His riches and glory).  Be blessed and stay in His grip!