Forge Your Own Path

It’s inevitable as we navigate life and career that we compare how we are doing and where we are at to others (in business, it’s akin to benchmarking). In reality, how much of their journey do we truly know?

This personal benchmarking is not all bad, depending on your approach, and it can be motivating and a catalyst for action.

Constantly measuring your life or career against others, even those you admire, can be detrimental if
   • it erodes your self-confidence
   • you feel ‘left behind’
   • it fosters resentment and dissatisfaction

From the outside looking in, and in our professional circles, it’s easy to think that someone has it all together. This of course is completely unrealistic, along with the assumption that you can cherry pick the great qualities of someone else’s life and just take that one part of it. The good in life has to come with the bad. It’s all one package. We are only seeing what we want to see in others (fuelled also by any self-dissatisfaction) or, as often is the case with social media, the carefully curated stories that show the highlights of others’ lives and not the struggles.

No one has it all good. Everyone has struggles. So if you are envious of someone else’s success, job, or whatever, it’s important to stop and take stock of the situation. And in your reflection ask yourself, do I want to trade all of my life, including my ‘struggles’, for theirs?

If we are to use this benchmarking process as a positive, it can be motivating.
   • Others’ success can be inspiring to pursue your goals (if they can do it, so can I)
   • Use it as a learning opportunity – apply any relevant lessons and strategies to your own life
   • Take action – identify areas where you’d like to grow and create a plan to achieve it

And as part of this self-reflection, put the focus on you and start with what you have to be grateful for, what you are proud of in your life, and what are your accomplishments. It will help to build a sense of appreciation. Feeling grateful helps shift to a positive mindset and provides a launchpad for personal growth.

Also ask yourself what does success look like for you based on your personal values and priorities? That’s where to focus your attention and efforts, not on comparison. Your journey is unique, with its own timing, challenges and success. Comparing yourself to where you were yesterday is a healthier focus, and whether you are heading in the direction for where you want to be, not for others. Do it your way and forge your own path.

Sometimes it helps to seek assistance to clarify and enact your plan. At CareerForce Australia, we can provide that individualised support - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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