How to not compare yourself to others??

Immy95
Community Member

Hi there,

 For the entirety of my schooling years and including university, I have been having significant issues with my self worth and comparing myself to others. I am never happy with my results and always believe that I am a failure because I'm not getting  high results like my friends at uni. This makes me feel incredibly useless and frustrated because I put in so much effort, and in return I gain little in return. I have even stopped submitting the last pieces of work as I feel there is no point in doing so as I am going to fail anyway, which is heartbreaking for me. I just don't feel satisfied with my results no matter which way I look at it! Can somebody please help me?

 

thanks,

 

Immy.

3 Replies 3

Zeal
Community Member

Hi Immy,

I also had trouble with this, but I am now able to focus on my own results at uni, and what they mean for me. Comparing yourself to others usually doesn't end well, as there will always be people who get higher grades or who manage to forge through life with seemingly more ease. You can never know what goes on behind-the-scenes in people's lives. Some people are really unhappy and stressed as a result of pushing themselves to achieve near-perfect academic results. This can have negative long-term effects, is mentally and physically draining, and can negatively influence social relationships and overall happiness.

As you are prone to comparing yourself to others at uni, try to avoid asking others what grades or percentage they received for assignments or other written work. If you do not plan to do postgraduate study at uni, then it doesn't matter as much if you don't receive distinctions or high distinctions for your work. It would be nice to, and is a good level to aim for, however. The main thing is that you pass all your subjects and finish your degree.

I would like to get into Psychology Honours, so I need to get at least a Distinction average for this year and next year's subjects. I know it is possible for me to achieve this, but I have now decided to not get really anxious and disheartened if my grades this semester are only Credits. There are so many options and different pathways to follow once you finish uni.

It's helpful to not judge your self-worth based solely on a few factors. If you define yourself too much by your grades, then whenever you do not achieve to your expected level, your self-confidence will be adversely affected.

Make sure you keep up close friendships, and make time for hobbies and outside interests as well. Balance is the key, as cliqued as it sounds.

I hope something I said has been helpful!

 

Best wishes,

SM

Immy95
Community Member

Thank you for your reply, I do appreciate the time you have taken to help me. Great advice, and I will take on board what you have said and try not to get so hooked up in uni results. It's just hard because I expect so much of myself and when I don't get those high results then it feels like I am letting myself down :(.

Thanks,

Immy.

Narniakid
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hey Immy95!

It sounds like you've possibly got unrealistic expectations of yourself - don't get caught up in the idea that straight A's will guarantee you success and happiness - quite often, people will work their butts off so much that what they loved doing suddenly becomes stressful and chore-like. Remember that there is a difference between working hard and being hard on yourself.

If you continue to compare your achievements to your friends' achievements, you will never be happy with anything that you do. Today is the day to look in the mirror and be proud of what YOU have achieved - the mere fact you've made it into university is something to be proud of! I want you to write a list of as many achievements and qualities about yourself that you can come up with - let me know how many. 

Something I was once told that changed my life: having a low opinion of yourself isn't modest - it's self destructive.

Believe in yourself and be proud of YOU!

Crystal