Compare less. Live more.
You know that moment when you’re scrolling and suddenly think: “Why does their life look like an Oscar-winner while mine feels like a deleted scene?”
I never wondered why the Oscars have a Best Supporting Actor category—until comparison started haunting my own life and forced me to ask, if we’re all actors on Shakespeare’s grand stage, why do we refuse to play supporting roles?
The answer? We’ve been sold the myth of the Chosen One. We’re told we must be the hero—seen, unique, and exceptional. But this creates a cruel paradox:
On stage: supporting actors are celebrated for making the story richer.
In life: we view “supporting” roles — ordinary jobs, quiet lives — as failures.
We turn existence into a nightmare, rejecting our reality because it doesn’t match the cinematic lives we compare ourselves to.
Comparison: When Your Life Feels Like a Bad Sequel
Yes, comparing teaches us who we are—and aren’t. But negative comparisons handed us a funhouse mirror:
Their “perfect” relationship vs. your messy one
Their career highlight vs. your daily grind
Soon, we’re not just admiring others—we’re erasing ourselves. But without supporting actors, leading ones can’t shine either. There is no film to play in then. Everybody needs to take their responsibility for the role for which they have been approved.
The Soul’s Misdirection
You are unique—not because you’re “better,” but because you’re a singular expression of something sacred. Your talents, quirks, even your struggles? They’re not yours to rank; they’re yours to honor.
Yet when we forget this, comparison becomes a spiritual crime—we’re judging God’s work by human standards:
— We mistake difference for deficiency.
— We judge our unedited life against someone else’s highlight reel.
— We trade our divine imprint for a cheap replica of another’s path.
How to Reclaim Your Role
1. Rewrite the script.
Instead of: “They’re so far ahead.”
Try: “What’s one step I can take today?”
2. Observe your thoughts.
When self-doubt screams, ask: “Is this voice of a critic or a coach?”
Keep the lines that serve you. Cut the rest.
3.Steal like an artist.
Inspired by someone? Learn from them.
Envy their success? Unfollow them.
4.Measure against your last performance.
Progress is not “Why aren’t I them?”.
It is “How have I grown since yesterday?”
Final Scene
You are already cast in your life. No understudies, no replacements.
Stop comparing—start occupying it.
Play your role, not theirs, even if it is a supporting one.