“Keeping up with the Joneses” is an expression that is commonly used to describe the attitude of always wanting to keep up with the neighbors in terms of possessions and wanting to have the things that our neighbors have. Envy is another word that can be used to describe this attitude.  Envy involves jealousy, resentment and a strong desire for something someone else has, usually at whatever the cost. One reason why envy is such a problem is that if you are envious of another person’s success, that means you will never be satisfied with anything you ever achieve.   Another reason why envy is a problem is because it means you have no clue what you want for your own life. Just because the Joneses have it does not mean you should have it too. Envy and jealousy are habits you must always be weary of and stay clear of.  Like other bad habits envy will only rob you of your energy, creativity, drive and zest for life.

It’s important that you have a clear vision for your own life, and then and only then, what another person achieves or acquires won’t matter to you. You are completely satisfied because you know exactly who you are, why you are here, where you need to go and what you need to do to get there. Having your own goals will enable you to avoid the trap of spending your time on thinking about what others are doing. Instead you will be focused on what you need to do to become a better person and be happy in the process. Your success depends entirely on you and the work you put in. Do not judge yourself based on what others have achieved, but rather base your success on what you want to achieve. Success is not about wishing you were someone else or having what someone else has. To the contrary, success is achieving your goals without compromising your integrity and then helping someone else do the same.

Focusing on yourself is a winning mindset. If you are to succeed in life and become the person you are meant to be, then you must know that your success is not for you alone. You must help others to succeed and to become great if you are to be great yourself. It is often said that the greatest people are always those that help others. Your journey in life has molded you for the greater good. It has taken each and every situation you have gone through to make you who you are today. You are not unimportant nor are you insignificant. You are unique. Never stop being you. The gifts and talents within you can only be brought to the table by you. There are people who have been predestined to be influenced by the person you are. Don’t deny them the experience of sharing life with you and have the opportunity to glean the wisdom you possess about being successful.

Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. Find out who you are and then do you with a purpose.