Each one of us is uniquely gifted with talents and abilities, lovingly bestowed by God. Just like every flower blooms in its own season, we are meant to flourish in our own time and way. But too often, we lose sight of our path, not because we lack capability, but because we are too busy watching how others are running their race.
"Comparison is the thief of joy." So said Theodore Roosevelt. And how right he was. Scientific studies have validated this timeless truth. In one famous experiment, researchers gave a monkey a marble. Upon returning it, the monkey received a cucumber as a reward and was perfectly content. That is, until it saw another monkey being rewarded with grapes for the exact same task. Suddenly, the cucumber felt like an insult. The first monkey became so agitated that it hurled the cucumber at the researcher’s face!
Isn’t that exactly what happens to us? We may have health, wealth, respect, and comfort, but the moment we see someone with more, discontentment creeps in. No matter where we are, there will always be someone ahead of us. And if we make that our benchmark, we’ll never be at peace.
Gita’s Secret to Calming the Restless Mind
The Bhagavad Gita (6.22) offers a divine antidote to this restless mindset:
यं लब्ध्वा चापरं लाभं मन्यते नाधिकं ततः ।
यस्मिन्स्थितो न दुःखेन गुरुणापि विचाल्यते ॥
yaṁ labdhvā chāparaṁ lābhaṁ manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ
yasmin sthito na duḥkhena guruṇāpi vichālyate
Translation: “Having attained that state, one does not regard anything else as greater. And once established in it, even the greatest sorrow cannot disturb the mind.”
This is the mind of the sthitaprajña, rooted, unmoved, fulfilled. In contrast, the mind of a worldly person is never satisfied. Worldly attainments always leave a gap —the millionaire envies the billionaire, who feels eclipsed by someone more powerful. The cycle of comparison never ends, and the restless mind keeps whispering, “You’re behind.”
The yogi, however, rests in the highest gain union with the Self and with God. In that state, there is nothing higher left to achieve, and no sorrow, however great, can shake one’s peace.
Swami Mukundananda’s Humble Realisation
Once, when Swamiji was in middle school, he saw another cyclist about 200 yards ahead of him. His youthful spirit saw it as a challenge, and so began a fierce race. With all his strength, he pedalled harder and harder until finally, after three miles, he overtook the cyclist.
The sense of victory was overwhelming as though he’d just won the Indian Triathlon! But there was a twist. The other cyclist had no idea he was part of a race. And in chasing him, Swamiji had missed the turn he was supposed to take 400 yards back.
That’s the story of so many lives. We sprint after others, only to realise we’ve lost sight of our own destination. We win races that were never meant for us, and miss paths that were ours to follow.
The Social Media Mirage
In earlier times, comparisons were limited to close circles of neighbours, friends, and classmates. Today, the digital world exposes us to millions of lives, most of which are carefully curated and managed. What we see on social media is not reality. It’s filtered, edited, polished, and far from reality. Yet, we allow these glimpses to define our worth. We feel left out, left behind. This modern disease even has a name: FOMO, Fear of Missing Out.
But ask yourself: what exactly are we missing out on? Or are we simply missing ourselves in this endless pursuit?
Lessons from Nature and Champions
A lemon tree never tries to become a banyan. It bears fruit, shade, and fragrance all in its own way. It never feels inferior because it knows: its purpose is different.
Yet, we humans, blessed with intelligence, fall into the most unintelligent trap of all- comparing ourselves to others.
Even world-class champions will tell you: they don’t compete with others. They strive to beat their own personal best. That’s the real race. The one within. Not to be better than others, but to be better than yesterday’s self.
Your Life, Your Race
Let us remember this always: you are a divine creation, handcrafted by God for a unique purpose. Don’t dilute your joy by measuring it against someone else’s journey. Don’t detour from your path to chase someone else's finish line. Run your own race with joy, sincerity, and faith.
Because the only race you’re meant to win is the one against your yesterday’s self.
Your Call to Action
Take a moment today to pause and reflect:
- Am I running my race—or someone else’s?
- Do I celebrate my growth, or only compare outcomes?
- What can I do to return to my purpose?
Start today. Let go of what doesn’t serve your peace. Celebrate small wins. Trust your timing. Begin again.
You were never behind.
