We all do this. Whether we voice it or just think it, we are constantly doing it. We compare ourselves to others all the time. Whether it is comparing clothes, shoes, cars, homes, hair styles, vacations, jobs, online followers, or lifestyles we constantly ask ourselves what do they have that I don’t or what are they doing that I’m not. This will lead you down a spiraling trap of never being good enough. Your life story is unique and should not be compared. Don’t compare yourself to others.

Everyone is unique, has their own styles, own thoughts, personalities, and preferences. Our thoughts and decisions are based on our unique experiences, no one else’s.

The way we look at money is also unique. The way we spend, save, invest or not spend, not save, and not invest is unique. We have our reasons for what we do. Adult humans make an average 35,000 decisions per day. No two people would likely make the same decisions as each other and this makes each one of us so unique.

Financially, I am different from everyone else. My salary will be different. My spending habits are different. My investments are different. My savings are different. My financial goals are different. And so on.

So if you have a friend or know someone who bought a new car, house, new clothes or paid off their loans, credit card debt, or mortgage, don’t be envious. If they accomplished something you are hoping for, use this as an opportunity to learn how they accomplished it.

I’ve fallen into the comparing myself to others trap. It’s hard not to. When someone has more opportunities, when someone accomplished something you haven’t, or when someone has something you don’t, the envy comes out. Have you had a co-worker who got a new job?  Did your neighbor get a new car? Did a friend get a new house? Do you wish you had what others have?

This is where the trap happens.  When you want what others have you start to spend on similar things or try to mimic their lifestyle. This can add up. Next thing you know you find yourself in debt and can’t find a way out. As the debt accumulates it gets harder and harder to get out. Plus it goes against any financial goals you may have.

The dream of being financially independent and/or retire early gets slimmer the more you compare yourself to others. This could lead you to spending more than your means just to keep up with what others are spending. Don’t fall for this trap because it isn’t a positive financial habit. You are unique, different from everyone else, and therefore don’t compare yourself to others.  If you are interested in following my journey and their journey, follow them on Instagram and email subscribe to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.