Comparing Ourselves to Others

Posted on August 24, 2026 by mitchteemley
A Hard Climb (pixaby.com)Photo courtesy of pixaby.com

Thought for the Week: Comparing Ourselves to Others

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ~Steven Furtick

Plenty of Articles Warn Us…

…not to compare ourselves to others. And it’s sound advice. But applying it is another story. Why? Perhaps because, as Furtick points out, so many others seem to have it more together than us, seem to have easily and quickly accomplished their goals.

But the Moment We Look…

…beyond the “highlight reels” we discover that not only some but virtually all admired and successful people, past and present, struggled intensely to reach the highlight stage (Beethoven, Mozart, Lincoln, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Oprah Winfrey, Malala Yousafzai…the list is endless). In fact, when we finish reading their biographies, even in short form, we’re inclined to reverse our perception, and shout, “Boy, I’m glad I don’t have their life!”

That’s a Good Start

Now go and be so you-ily you that one day people will celebrate your highlight reel—not despite what you’ve been through, but because of it!

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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35 Responses to Comparing Ourselves to Others

  1. Kelli says:
    August 24, 2026 at 11:05 am

    Profound

    Reply
  2. Kymber says:
    August 24, 2026 at 11:08 am

    A good reminder that the highlight reel never tells the whole story.

    Reply
  3. chanél desirée says:
    August 24, 2026 at 11:21 am

    Seems like we both had this topic on our mind. It is easier said than done!

    Reply
  4. Kenneth Richard Hardman says:
    August 24, 2026 at 11:23 am

    Thank you for these helpful remarks about how we too often compare ourselves with others. The Lord answered my prayer yesterday during worship service when I felt his prompting, “today the Sabbath is not about you. It is about others.“ That’s what I needed to help me shift my focus to the happiness and joy of others. The rest of the day was remarkable and joyful, listening, and serving others.

    Reply
  5. Gail Perry says:
    August 24, 2026 at 11:27 am

    Thank you! By the way, shoulder surgery was incredibly successful, even if one does fall down less than 3 months after it and breaks one’s arm.

    Reply
  6. K Mark Schofer says:
    August 24, 2026 at 1:28 pm

    I agree, wholeheartedly as social media certainly skews the lives of others.

    I remember my first visit to Washington DC and walking around Dupont Circle and watching people on a Saturday afternoon thinking I would like to be one of them.

    It’s a great skill, too be happy for the good fortune of others. Let them have their moment in the sun. That’s a good reflection on yourself.

    Reply
  7. Victoria says:
    August 24, 2026 at 1:44 pm

    Be “you-ily you”…will do!
    Thank YOU, Mitch! ❤️😉❤️

    Reply
  8. cswatts says:
    August 24, 2026 at 1:58 pm

    Well said and much needed. Thanks.

    Reply
  9. M. Wiley Wilson says:
    August 24, 2026 at 2:26 pm

    Mitch, this is a good reminder. The “highlight reel” illusion is powerful, and you name it well — most of the people we admire didn’t glide to success; they clawed their way through struggle. It’s freeing to remember that being faithfully, honestly ourselves is far better than chasing someone else’s polished version.

    Reply
  10. Erika says:
    August 24, 2026 at 2:28 pm

    That’s a good thought, Mitch! It’s true, we all actually know that comparing with others does not make sense, when putting pressure on ourselves since we may have completely different strengths. But however, at least it keeps us motivated to make more of ourselvses. We only need to make sure it happens in a healthy way, in adding the best of us, and not ending up in a competition.

    Reply
  11. Pure Glory says:
    August 24, 2026 at 4:08 pm

    Here’s to highlight reels with no comparisons to others.

    Reply
  12. Nancy Homlitas says:
    August 24, 2026 at 4:54 pm

    I’m reminded of Paul Harvey’s bygone radio show “The Rest of the Story.” His true stories had surprise endings when he revealed the person or event they were about. Captivating and eye-opening! 🙂

    Reply
  13. joyroses13 says:
    August 24, 2026 at 5:05 pm

    AMEN! Celebrate being you! Your closing sentences is a lot like mine was on Friday. We were in synch! LOL!

    Reply
  14. Ab says:
    August 24, 2026 at 5:39 pm

    I love the context of “highlight reel” vs “behind the scenes.” So important to remember in this digital age of constant comparison!

    Reply
  15. Andrew McDowell says:
    August 24, 2026 at 5:47 pm

    How true. I try not to compare my first draft with another’s final book. It hasn’t always been easy.

    Reply

  16. Pingback: Comparing Ourselves to Others | Talmidimblogging

  17. Rhonda says:
    August 24, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    Great message, Mitch. I like this quote from Brene Brown: “Comparison is the thief of joy”.

    Reply
  18. ibarynt says:
    August 25, 2026 at 6:46 am

    🧡🧡… a thought to ponder on again. The why me or why not me is good at sneaking in.

    Reply
  19. Manu says:
    August 25, 2026 at 8:00 am

    Such a good reminder. Thanks Mitch.

    Reply
  20. mothjournal14 says:
    August 25, 2026 at 10:06 am

    Grateful for this uplifting reminder today, Mitch! Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Nancy Ruegg says:
    August 25, 2026 at 10:56 am

    Worthwhile food for thought, Mitch. Each of us is a part of God’s masterful and beautiful tapestry of humanity. We’re meant to encourage and influence–not compete. Each of us can play a vital role in the lives of those around us, in our own unique, “you-ily” way. (‘Love that new word!) Only some will reach fame and/or obtain fortune. But I think when we get to heaven it will be the quiet, behind-the-scenes servants whose highlight reels will be the most celebrated (Matthew 23:11-12).

    Reply
  22. pcviii03 says:
    August 29, 2026 at 11:26 pm

    Very true. Those other lives had their own trials, and it’s the ability to overcome those trials that are the successes.

    Reply

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