How to Overcome Professional Jealousy
Envy can be a sneaky emotion, especially when someone in your field is on a roll. It pops up in my profession when an entertainer lands a high-paying gig or becomes a crowd-pleaser. I've had top-rated shows in several parts of the U.S., and some fellow entertainers have been bent out of shape because of it. Personally, I've never had the urge to keep up with the Joneses. I'm genuinely happy for the success of others.
No matter your profession, envy can hide in the background. So, what if you could transform that envy into a force for growth? Let's delve into how Stoicism can change your view on envy, discuss its positive and negative sides, and guide you to kick it out for good. Sound good?
Stoicism: A Fresh Perspective
Stoicism urges us to focus on what's in our control and release the rest. Why stress about a colleague's fatter paycheck? Instead, concentrate on honing your skills. Stoicism encourages us to take pride in our own growth. So, someone else got a promotion? Kudos to them. But what are you doing to better yourself?
The Two Sides of Envy
The Positives
Envy isn't just a bad guy in the story. It can highlight what you truly want and aim for. Imagine a colleague creates something new and earns praise. Don't stew in bitterness — turn that envy into fuel. Adapt and grow. When others set new standards, it doesn't mean you should sulk. It means you up your game.
The Negatives
Still, envy has its downsides. It can distort how you see your own skills and create a toxic mindset. If you don't keep it in check, envy could even lead you to undermine others or quit your own journey. The emotional cost? Trust me, you don't need that extra baggage.
Kicking Out Envy: A Four-Step Plan
Step 1: Own Up to the Envy
The first move in solving any issue is recognizing it's there. Feel the green-eyed beast creeping in? Just say, "I'm envious, and that's okay." This realization paves the way for growth.
Step 2: Identify and Act
Pinpoint what sparks your envy. Is it their cutting-edge style, substantial following, or big earnings? Once you find it, plan how to boost that aspect in your own life. Convert your envy into action items.
Step 3: Be a Supporter
Make it a habit to applaud others' wins. A simple "great job" can shift your mindset. It's tough to hold onto envy when you're genuinely thrilled for someone else's triumphs. Plus, networking with successful humans is a win-win.
Harness Stoicism
When envy begins to creep in, rely on stoic principles. Center your energy on bettering yourself rather than obsessing over others. Each of us is on a distinct path, after all.
Envy is a complex part of human life. But a sprinkle of Stoicism can change it from a damaging thought pattern into a springboard for self-improvement. Recognize your envy, break it down into achievable objectives, and morph those into steps for personal growth. Celebrate the achievements of other humans while keeping your stoic focus on your own goals. And there you have it — a life strategy that steals the show.
