Hi All!
Here is your weekly dose of On-Track advice, a list of tips and tricks to keep you on top of your goals.
1. Comparison takes root in human evolution. When you compare yourself to others, know that you are not flawed, but that your brain is simply trying to help you survive.
It’s human nature to compare yourself to others. The survival of your ancestors largely depended on how they squared up against other members of their tribe. Those who were seen as superior had control over the division of food, clothing, and shelter. On top of that, they were more likely to attract mating partners and produce offspring.
Drawing comparisons between you and the people that surround you is not a flaw, but it is rooted in your biology. When you watch what your peers are doing and liken yourself to them, know that your brain is simply trying to help you survive.
2. Don’t focus on the things you are missing. Self-esteem is the result of appreciating what you already have.
Low self-esteem is often the result of not understanding what you have, and more importantly, what you are good at. A great way to build your confidence then, is to remind yourself of talents, skills, and proficiencies. Are you a good planner and consider yourself to be organized? Do you have good problem-solving skills? Or is it easy for you to get motivated and get things done?
Your Weekly Digest: Overstimulation
We live in a world where we can have everything at an instant. When we are hungry, we can order pizza with a few taps on our phone, or take the drive-through of a fast-food restaurant. When we want to feel a sense of belonging and validation, we can head over to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and engage with other people.
Because we can get things so quickly, it can be easy to become overstimulated. Too much input from your surroundings can trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and unease. Add the fact that we are biologically wired for comparison, and you deflate your self-esteem and feel like there’s something wrong with you.
In this week’s article, “Is There Something Wrong with Me? No, And Here’s Why” I explain how your life experiences are shaped by your environment. It shows how your immediate surroundings can make you feel anxious or depressed at times, and provides a solution to feeling better almost immediately.
Until next week,
Mike van der Poel
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