Life is not a zero-sum game
I’ve never felt jealous of someone like the British monarch, despite the immense wealth and privilege that came without a single day of work. But if someone from my school or college gets ahead — a great job, a big break, or public recognition — that little feeling creeps in.
Not full-blown resentment. Just a quiet, uncomfortable thought:
“Why them? Why not me?”
We Compare Ourselves With Those We Know
The truth is, we rarely envy strangers. When someone we’ve never met wins the lottery or builds a billion-dollar business, we shrug it off. It feels distant, outside our frame of reference.
But when someone from our own circle succeeds — someone who once sat in the same classroom, worked in the same office, or came from the same background — it hits closer to home. We start measuring ourselves against them. Their success feels like a reflection of our own journey — or a perceived lack of progress.
Envy Is Natural — But It Doesn’t Have to Define You
Here’s the thing: you can’t always control what emotions rise up. Feelings like envy show up uninvited. But you can choose what to do with them.
You can let them harden you. Or you can turn them into something useful.
The next time envy surfaces, try flipping the script. Instead of thinking, “Why not me?” ask:
“How can I support them?”
Because when someone close to you does well, it doesn’t diminish your chances. In fact, it might even open doors for you.
Success Is Not a Zero-Sum Game
This idea that there’s only a limited amount of success to go around is deeply flawed.
Life is not a game where one person’s win equals another person’s loss. In most cases, when someone in your network rises, they often bring others along. They can recommend you, mentor you, or inspire you to take the next leap.
Their success can be part of your story — if you let it.
A Better Mindset: Root for Others, Rise Together
Imagine what the world would look like if we celebrated the success of those we know, rather than silently comparing ourselves to them.
It’s not always easy. But it’s worth trying.
Because the truth is, if you ever need help in life, it’s not the billionaire or the royalty who’ll step in. It’s the people you’ve shared life with — your friends, colleagues, classmates.
We’re all better off when the people around us thrive.
Wishing You Growth — And The Wisdom to Lift Others With You
So go ahead — chase your goals. Build your dreams. Win big.
And when you get there, remember those who might still be on the climb. Reach out. Lift someone. Share what you’ve learned.
Because real success is sweeter when it’s shared.
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