Comparisons

Dear BBQ,

Its not a good idea to compare yourself to other people. Whether in the gym or in life, or the Christian walk. 

There will always be someone better, faster, stronger, harder, more dedicated, or more perfect than you, so constantly comparing yourself to them will cause depression. 

The fact is its not a bad idea to watch people who are older and better training to see what they do and how they lift, but don't worry if the other guy had bigger guns. Contentment is one of the keys to happiness, and its impossible to be content while judging how good you are  based on other's achievements, even if you are the best and biggest in your gym you will always be worried about losing that status. Just don't go there. 

Determine your fitness based on your past self, compare yourself to you a week ago, or a year ago, or ten years ago. Strive to improve always, but measure success by your personal achievements, whether or not everyone else has achieved bigger and better things. Be excited when you run that mile for the first time since 8th grade, when you deadlift or squat your weight for the first time ever, or when you make it up that mountain (literal or figurative). 

Ryan