Most of us compare ourselves with others. Comparisons can help to make decisions and make us active. According to a study, 12% of our daily thoughts have something to do with making comparisons.
Why is it so easy to compare yourself with others?
Whether it’s the number of goals you’ve scored at football or how many books you’ve read, it’s easy to compare yourself with someone else. Scientists say it’s a natural behavior. Humans live in a circle and do something in common, but they act differently and get the results more or less. Although comparing can be good for you, it’s not always helpful and you can find yourself stuck in a comparison trap (陷阱). This is when you always compare yourself with others and base (建立) your feelings on how well they seem to be doing.
Can comparisons be good for you?
Comparisons can make us feel good and bad about ourselves. “Comparing up” means seeing someone do better than you and using that to inspire (激励) yourself to make higher goals and try harder. “Comparing down” is when you see someone who doesn’t seem to be doing as well as you. It can stop you from wanting to improve.
Get out of the comparison trap.
Notice how people make you feel and spend time with friends who celebrate your strengths rather than compare themselves with you. If you follow social media accounts (账号) that make you feel you are failing in any way, stop following them. The best person you can compete with is yourself. Here are some tips for making healthy comparisons.
(Chart II)
【小题1】What does the study result in the first paragraph show?【小题2】Why do scientists think it’s natural to compare with others?
【小题3】Which kind of comparison does May’s idea belong to? What does it mean?
【小题4】Who should we stay with to get out of the comparison trap?
【小题5】What’s the best subtitle (小标题) of Tip 2?
【小题6】How do you like comparing with others? How will you improve yourself through comparisons?
