It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, as many students are forced to compete among their peers. While this is the case for most performing and visual arts majors, it also applies to presentations, jobs, and internships. The next time you find yourself feeling insecure or getting stressed out about other people, keep these ideas in mind.
1. You don’t know what their problems are like. We all have problems, and while you may be well aware of your own weaknesses, it is easy to forget that other people also have weaknesses that might not show. Oftentimes, the way we perceive people is in an idealized state, try to remember that other people are struggling too.
2. You have your own talents to bring to the table. You have a skill set that is special and specific to yourself. If you’re having a hard time remembering just what makes you special, consider the experiences you’ve had that can be applied to new situations. This could be things you learned from extracurricular activities, your family, or even volunteering events. No one else will have the same exact skills and experiences as you do.
3. You make your own decisions. Ultimately, you control your own life, other people shouldn’t have the power define what you do. It is so easy to find someone you believe is successful and to want to be exactly like them. Instead of striving to emulate another person, work hard to improve yourself. Consider factors that made them successful and bring your own twist to them.
4. You have a unique perspective. The way you were raised and the experiences that you’ve had are unique to you. This gives you a significantly different insight to bring to your art or your job. No one can take that perspective away from you, so take advantage of it.
5. You started somewhere, and you have improved. As humans, we learn every day. If you’re struggling, remember the first performance, critique, or work experience you had. The odds are that you have improved immensely. Remember that bad days will happen, but we learn from those experiences. You’ll be thankful for the improvements you made from having those bad days. Comparing yourself to others isn’t worth the stress. Take all of that energy you used toward worrying about other people and learn something new instead. Take some time to celebrate what makes you unique, and you will most definitely be thankful later.