We’ve all heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Well, I’m here to tell you that’s just not true. In fact, comparing yourself to others might actually be one of the best ways to fuel your joy — if you do it right.

Think about it: comparing yourself to others is how you set benchmarks, how you get inspired, and how you figure out what you want to achieve. When you see someone crushing it in their career or living their best life, does that really suck away your happiness, or does it light a fire under you to go after what you want?

Sure, if you’re comparing your Monday morning to someone’s Instagram-filtered vacation in Bali, you might feel a twinge of envy. But let’s be honest: nobody’s life is perfect 24/7, and most comparisons are more like inspiration in disguise. When you see someone doing something awesome, it pushes you to level up.

Comparisons can give us something to aspire to. Instead of sitting comfortably in your bubble, you get to see what’s possible. It’s not about feeling inadequate, but about feeling motivated. You see that person nailing the job promotion or crossing the finish line at a marathon, and suddenly, it’s not just their win — it’s proof that you can get there too.

Plus, there’s a hidden benefit in comparisons that nobody talks about: perspective. Sometimes you compare yourself to others and realize, “Hey, I’m actually doing pretty well!” It can remind you of what you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come. So let’s stop demonizing comparison and start using it as the tool for growth it’s meant to be.

The key is flipping the script. Instead of letting comparisons drag you down, use them to lift yourself up. So no, comparison isn’t the thief of joy — it’s the spark that fuels it.