Comparisonitus
Description
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Comparisonitus, also called “why’s he got what I haven’t got” syndrome, causes bitterness, resentment, lack of focus, stagnant progress and decreasing goal completion symptoms. Unlike being lazy, comparisonitus, is a lack of movement caused by an allergic response to someone else’s success
Comparisonitus can make you miserable and affect your performance at work or school and interfere with ambition and drive. But you don’t have to put up with annoying symptoms. Learning how to avoid triggers and finding the right treatment can make a big difference.
SYMPTOMS
Comparisonitus signs and symptoms usually start immediately after you are exposed to a specific kind of success you crave and can include:
– Envy
– Low self-esteem
– Depression
– Financial pressure
– Loss of motivation
– Decrease in meeting goals
CAUSES
During a process called sensitization your nervous system mistakenly identifies someone successful or happy as something harmful. Your nervous system starts producing negative associations with this harmless person. The next time you come in contact with the person, these negative associations will cloud your mind and stop you from working on your goals.
Comparisonitus triggers include:
– Wealthier people
– Healthier/Fitter people
– People with advancing careers
– People with completed projects
TREATMENTS
The best way to treat Comparisonitus is to avoid negatively associating other’s achievements and success.
– Don’t base your self-worth on comparing your whole life against someone’s best moments.
– Don’t compare against what you don’t know. Sure you want that guy’s flash car, but do you want his ridiculous car loan?
– Be grateful for what you do have.
– Comparing will drain time and energy which should be spent on gaining your own life pursuits.
– Remember there is nothing to gain from comparisons. If they are better than you, then you become resentful. If you are doing better than them, you feel like an arsehole after.
– Focus on your inspiration. Learn from people you admire instead.
– Only compete against yourself. What will happen when you overtake that person? Give up? Pick another doing better than you?
If you have Comparisonitus the best thing you can do is avoid exposure to triggers by dedicating your time achieving the goals you have set for yourself.
