Comparison is the thief of a successful life

Imagine if Professor X from the X-men wasted time wishing he could look more like Wolverine, regularly working out at the gym to bulk up, going through all kinds of surgeries, and combat classes to emulate Wolverine instead of investing his time perfecting his natural telepathic abilities and create his school. How would that affect his life and the life of everyone around him?  

I was talking with some friends the other day about how comparing ourselves to other people is not only detrimental to ourselves but to everyone around us as well. That’s because by spending time picking at what we can’t do because of what we don’t have, as opposed to strengthening what we can do using what we do have, it robs everyone who would benefit from our unique abilities. We are all born with a unique set of skills and gifts. When we work with them and share the fruits of our labour with others, we essentially become superheroes helping and inspiring others.

I think that’s why many people admire popular public figures like Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates. They each have something unique that they are really good at. By focusing on their skills, they accomplished great things for themselves and others. They also inspired many along the way to do the same for themselves. Both Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey are like superheroes to those who connect and relate with them, not because they are better then others, but because they chose to focus on their strengths. Anyone can do the same. The reason why most don’t is because they tend to spend more time trying to fix what they perceive as flaws as opposed to nurturing and growing their unique gifts and talents: their superpower.

If you’re familiar with Gary Vaynerchuk, I think that’s what he means when he talks about the importance of becoming self aware as the starting point to a successful life on your own terms. This is something I’ve been pondering on lately (maybe something for you to ponder on as well) : asking myself What kind of superpower would I have as a superhero based on my personality, skills and natural abilities ? And most importantly : Am I making full use of them right now or am I waisting time comparing myself to others?

What about you? What do you think?