If you have ever watched track and field events, you know that a split second makes all the difference, especially in sprint races. If a competitor in the 100 meter sprint takes even a second to glance at the runners on either side of her – she’s lost the race. In running as well as in life, we must learn to keep our eyes on our own race and not become distracted by comparing ourselves with others. Easier said than done, right? As women, we so quickly begin to compare with the other women around us. Often it happens the moment we walk into a room with other women. Am I as thin as she is? Do I fit in here? Why can’t my hair look as good as hers does? I wish I had her complexion.
It’s a trap each one of us can easily stumble into, and in the process we become dissatisfied with who we are and what God has planned for us. We tend to lose sight of what our purpose is in life. Perhaps that’s why the apostle Paul, with his powerfully purpose-filled life, was able to say, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God is calling me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Just as a sprinter keeps her eye on the goal or the finish line, so we need to keep our eyes fixed on the purpose God has given us and not be distracted by envy, jealousy or comparisons. True maturity is when we can look with joy at how God is blessing others and sincerely be thankful for the way God uses each one of us in a variety ways and in different styles.
There is only one you. God made you with a unique set of gifts and talents and with a distinctive purpose in this world. When we keep our eyes on the fact that God is at work in and through us to accomplish what He put us on this earth to do, we begin to feel a joyful confidence. We can rejoice in our assignment in the big scheme of life. On the other hand, when we start looking at everyone else and begin to compare ourselves with others, we either become prideful or we become jealous. Comparisons tend to zap us of our strength, distract us from our purpose and throw us off course from our goals.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” So here’s a few tips to remember when it comes to comparisons:
• Guard your mind against comparing with others by turning your focus upwards.
• Ask for God’s help and direction as you use your unique gifts and talents.
• Open your eyes to the blessings that God has given you right now.
• Thank Him for His unique plan for your life every day.
• Rejoice in who the Lord is and the work He is doing in your life as well as in others.
• Be happy with others for the good things happening in their lives.

This is an excerpt from my book Positive Life Principles for Women. The e-book is on sale this month for only $2.99 on your favorite e-reader.    Click Here for Nook.         Click Here for Kindle.