We often think of jealousy as coveting the achievements or material success that someone else has. But feelings of jealousy are often rooted in fear about our own perceived inadequacies.
We might look at a successful, wealthy person and feel a sense of shame or embarrassment that we have achieved so little compared to them. We might feel disappointed in ourselves because we haven’t yet lived up to our full potential. We might even worry that other people are judging us because we aren’t as successful as some other people.
Maybe you have experienced thoughts and feelings like these when you were confronted with the achievements of another person. When you see a person who seems to be more successful than you are, do you often feel resentful or cynical about it? Do you ever feel like certain people don’t deserve their success because they haven’t worked hard for it, or because they’re not a kind person?
If you were to examine your feelings and beliefs beneath the jealousy, you might discover that some part of you feels as if the other person’s success is a slight against you. Maybe you even feel like you will never be able to achieve the same level of success, which makes you feel defeated and stuck.
The thing to remember in situations like these is that no one else has control over your destiny except you. You have the same ability to achieve anything you want, any level of success you desire, and to create the exact type of lifestyle you wish to have.
One of the best ways to empower yourself in moments like these is to look at every successful person and see them as shining examples of what’s possible for you too. Maybe your success will look a little different, or come about in a different way than theirs did, but remind yourself that it’s still possible for you to become as successful, wealthy, happy, and fulfilled as you wish to be.
Every time you see a person demonstrating success, mentally give thanks for the reminder that you also have the potential to be as successful as you wish to be. Even if you have experienced a distinct lack of success so far in life, that does not need to be the trend moving forward.
Express a genuine feeling of appreciation and gladness for this person and their tenacity in overcoming the challenges they may have faced along their journey. Say to yourself, “I’m glad that this person has such a great life, and I know that it’s possible for me to do the same.”
Remember, an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. Even though you might not be where you want to be right now, know that this is all just part of the process. When you feel like you are going backwards, like the arrow, you are about to launch towards something great. Don’t give up – your time is coming.
