The Comparison Trap

By: Noah Zimmerman

When asked to do the Purpose Driven article for December, I joked about having to follow Brent’s piece from November. “How do I follow Brent Nussbaum? This better be epic!”

When I finally got down to the business of writing, I forgot about the joke – or so I thought. As I brainstormed topics, I found myself scanning past articles for ideas (and to refresh myself on the general purpose of the pieces). I asked my wife for some ideas and thought about what I could write up. 

When I finally settled on a topic, I dove in. It was oddly stressful, but I kept putting words on the page. I was nearly done when I thought, “This is silly! I’m trying to do too much when really there’s a simple message in what I just did! I don’t need to compare my writing to any former article or to anyone around me.” 

This passing thought stuck, and I realized my worth isn’t determined by what I put on this page. I just needed to write from my heart! In the end, my article turned out to be this simple lesson on comparison.

We know our own lives much better than the lives of those around us. But all too often, we compare our reality to the fantasy life (or social media life) of others. This Christmas season, I encourage each of you (myself included) to leave the comparisons behind. Not to compare your Christmas with anyone else’s Christmas. Not to compare your family with anyone else’s family. Not to compare your life with anyone else’s life.

My challenge to you… is to just be you. You were created with a reason. You were created with a purpose. You are different on purpose. You are called to be you, not the person next to you.

May you all be blessed this Christmas season and into the New Year!