In today’s world, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the noise—whether it’s the seemingly perfect lives of influencers on social media or hearing about a friend or family member’s latest success. We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling of comparison, leaving us wondering if we’re somehow falling behind. This isn’t a new issue; it has existed for generations. Long before social media, people struggled with envy and self-doubt. The endless scroll through social media only amplifies these feelings, trapping us in a loop of comparison. Seeing influencers flaunt their perfect lives or a friend celebrating yet another achievement can leave us feeling hopeless. We begin to measure ourselves against others, which leads to anxiety and a persistent sense of being “less than..” However, even in the past, seeing a neighbour’s wealth or hearing of a relative’s success triggered similar feelings of envy. 
 
Breaking free from these patterns doesn’t mean ignoring others’ successes; it means embracing your own unique path. 

It’s important to remember that the success stories we see often show only part of the picture. Just because someone’s life looks perfect on the surface doesn’t mean they aren’t dealing with their own struggles or challenges. More importantly, your value isn’t determined by how well others are doing. Their journey isn’t your journey. 

We’ve often been taught that feelings of envy or ego can push us to succeed, in reality, this type of motivation might drive us temporarily, but ultimately it leads us to chase after superficial, material goals that lack real meaning. Feeding these emotions only pulls us further from genuine fulfilment. 

Instead, a more lasting approach to dealing with feelings of jealousy and insecurity is through simran allowing you to take control of your mental experience. As you gain clarity, you’ll realise that your worth doesn’t come from external validation or material success, but from your personal spiritual endeavour and the meaningful connections you create on the outside.  

True empowerment comes from investing in your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Engaging in volunteer work is one way to shift from envy to empathy. By serving others, you nurture humility in yourself, silencing the ego—though even here, the ego can creep in, a topic we’ll explore more in future. 

Another vital step is practising gratitude. Regularly remind yourself of the blessings you already have—whether it’s the challenges that make you stronger or the small joys that enrich your daily life. Yes, even struggles are something to be grateful for, as they offer opportunities for growth and learning. When you reduce the noise and the dreaded internal monologue within, your mind begins to focus on what’s good in your life, envy and feelings of inadequacy begin to lose their power. Real success comes from becoming the best version of yourself so that you can inspire and uplift others.