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You’re Holding Yourself Back: Are Your Problems Worse?
The Trap of Self-Absorption
A Martyr Mindset?
We’ve all come across that person who seems to constantly play the martyr: ‘No one’s got it as bad as me. No one has more to deal with. Look at that person enjoying life (or look at that person making progress in their career, or that successful person whose work we admire), he probably’s never had any problems, no idea what it’s like to struggle.’
Beyond being annoying, this is a deep obstacle to one’s own growth and flourishing. Everyone’s got serious, life-changing problems; they’re just not dealing with them the same way you are.
The Misconception of Fortunate Others
All too easily we assume that someone else’s highlight reel is their actual life, and that it must be glorious. Social media seems to profit from a backlog of highlights. Countless pictures: vacations, new cars, babies, promotions, and celebrations flood our feeds. But they are highlights.
The person posting a beach photo might be in financial ruin. The one showcasing the promotion may be going through a painful divorce. Don’t compare your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel!
