Jealousy is one of the most uncomfortable emotions to experience, yet it is one that pops up quite frequently (especially with the excessive use of social media, where it’s so easy to compare yourself to others).
When you feel yourself getting envious of someone else, the feeling can really get you down – and make your feelings of self‐worth plummet. If you don’t release the jealousy, the feelings can sit in your body and cause emotional and physical stress – toxic to your health. Jealousy is a strong emotion that can breed feelings of anger, resentment and even depression.
Luckily, feeling jealous actually isn’t about what the other person has. It’s just a roadmap for you to see what you’d like to improve about yourself and your own life.
- What am I jealous of?
- Underneath the surface, what are the feelings/experiences I’m seeing in someone else’s life that I want for myself?
- What is one small step I can take towards creating more of that in my own life?
Example:
Does someone else have career success that makes you green with envy? It’s not about that person. The feelings/experiences you want for yourself may be financial abundance, creative freedom, doing work that fulfills you, or cultivating your passions.
Pick one thing you can get started on to lead you in that direction! Maybe it’s taking a workshop, reading a business-related book, getting a coach/mentor or just taking that big step you’ve been wanting to take for a long time.
You can use this tool in any area of life. Try this exercise next time you feel jealousy coming on. In your mind, silently thank the person/situation for showing you what you’d like to improve in your own life, and giving you the inspiration to do so!
Lakeysha says
That has got to be the best article that I have read in a very long time. Alot of times we fail to admit that we are envious of other’s success. By understanding that we can also obtain the similiar success, it lessens the envy and turns the negative energy into positive energy to fuel our goals. Thanks!
BJ says
Love this <3