Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
This phrase is a classic, one that tells you how everyone is different from everyone else and one that is constantly plastered on my phone’s home screen to constantly remind me of that philosophy.
But in this society where everything is a rat race to the finishing line, it is hard maintaining this thought and you find yourself constantly comparing yourself with your peers — be it academically, financially, and even aesthetically. It is inevitable, and it sucks.
Being a 19 year old in Singapore is hard, I have to pick a university and a field of study to major in. Looking at my friends becoming engineers and accountants and doctors, professions that has high status in the eyes of a materialistic and cold-hearted elitist Asian society. And I stare at my submission and wonder if my future will be as bright as my friends — linguistics. Trust me when I say I have no idea what is in store for me from choosing a major that is as unpopular and under-appreciated as linguistics, in a country which boasts its economic prowess in Asia, and is a scientific and technological hub of its region.
Then why choose it? You must be wondering, and that was what I have been wondering for the past few months. Well, I chose it because because I am the captain of my ship, because it is interesting and it is fun, because I’m not afraid to take the path less traveled,
because I want to.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are constantly bombarded by expectations of society, shaped and molded by it, our mindsets and perceptions clouded by it. And maybe it’s a good thing, we need more engineers, accountants and doctors to keep technology, economy and society going. And maybe I was stupid to choose what I chose, not practical and pragmatic, “throwing away your future” as the old folks say. And they could be right, but ultimately they are them and I am me,there is no point comparing the crunchiness of an apple to the juiciness of the orange — 2 fundamental qualities that have no correlation, and what you prefer is completely subjective. In a world where people love the crunch of the apple, I guess I will stick to my oranges.
You should compare with others at times when you should, and compare things that truly matter when you do. Otherwise, as there is truth in every cliche, don’t compare yourself with others. You do you and that is all that matters.
Yes, it is inevitable, and yes it sucks.
But it’s okay.
This is my first piece of work so please be kind. I value your feedback and opinions, so please feel free to drop anything! This article was originally published on Medium, 28 June 2015.
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