Comparison Will Kill You
MARCH 2026 EDITION
17th of March 2026
“Comparison is the theft of joy” — 26th USA President, Theodore Roosevelt.
It is a quote we have all heard at least once in our lives. A cautionary quote that warns us of the dangers of being overly absorbed in our own thoughts. However, as humans, comparison is a natural behaviour. Comparing may not always be about critique, but about observing the differences in things and ourselves. Weighing the options in buying the black hoodie instead of the grey one. Debating the fastest route to take to the venue. Critiquing your work based on someone else’s. Measuring your progress in life against another person.
It’s like you’re in a trance, knowing what to do, but your body won’t align with your thoughts. It’s intoxicating. While not creating, you’re using the time to compare yourself to others. Nitpicking every corner and apex of what you do, ensuring every part of the process is criticised. It is a restless environment.
Continuously plunging into this state will kill you. It will destroy your imagination, your sanity, your ability to create, your reasoning, and your dreams. It is so dangerous that you can lose your will to do anything, to live.
It’s important for people, especially artists (writers, producers), to find contentment in their work. What you produce may not always be your proudest piece, but once you, the creator, are satisfied, it is as good as perfect. A creator should be pleased with their work, whether subject to good or bad critique, because there’s always a next opportunity to improve.
“Your self-belief matters more than anything in this world because it is what you will live by.”
“First Love is Self Love” by Seéńi
If you keep measuring yourself against someone else’s ruler, you won’t get an accurate figure, because that’s not the reality you’re meant to believe in.
Think of the person you admire. Is it an actor, writer, painter, philosopher, or more? Do you think they reached the peak of their work when they first started? Everyone has a beginning and an end, and you mustn’t forget that you, too, have a start. How do you expect to find joy in your work if you don’t practice and appreciate the small wins?
You won’t find peace if you constantly compare yourself to others. You might be frightened to improve because you’re worried about others’ opinions. You’d only feel like you’re at the bottom because you think that way.
It’s possible to feel unsatisfied and compare your craft to others, even when many say it’s the best they’ve seen. That’s why your own self-belief matters. You wouldn’t trust the world if your mind says otherwise.
So, we can’t completely eliminate comparison, because it’s a natural tendency, but we can minimise it to keep our will alive. By finding peace, happiness, and satisfaction—even if just a little— in our lives.
I think discussing comparison is very important. Especially on this platform, Substack. I remember when I first joined here, spending hours reading other people’s work and seeking recognition. I was so envious that I would sabotage every piece I wrote. It was suffocating because no matter what I produced, I could never find peace with it. I wouldn’t say this problem is completely solved; however, I just stopped because I grew tired of not being able to do what I love—writing. Is the point of my writing to compare myself with others or to seek validation? Is that the purpose of art? Is that the purpose of life? No. Passion and love are what matter. I had to remind myself why I loved writing and that I was doing it for myself. My most‑liked blog isn’t necessarily my favourite, and that’s okay, because I pour my whole self into everything I write. That’s how I finally became at peace with my work, and I hope you find that peace too.
Until Next Time, Worth Having —
[NEXT BLOG: Do You Really Need Pilates?]
⚠️ All image credits go to the original owners. I do not claim ownership of the images used in this blog. If you are the original creator and would like it removed, please feel free to contact me directly.
🎨 PICTURES: Pinterest
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Pinterest boards you may find interesting: Echoes of Wisdom - quotes, Frames of Seéńi - images used in my blogs, La Muse Éternelle - muses of Seéńi and Pensée Chroniques - monthly journal prompts.
“next blog: do you really need pilates?” Yes, yes I do 😂