Would you like to know some ways to stop being envious? Envy is a feeling that we all know and feel from time to time, but sometimes we really struggle with it. If that is the situation that you are finding yourself in, you can use these ways to stop being envious.
1. Count Your Blessings
One of the best ways to stop being envious is to count your blessings. Focus on what you have, not what others have. I have often heard it said that comparison is the thief of joy and that is very true. Don’t compare what you have to what others have. Simply focus on all of the wonderful things that you have in your life.
2. Find Happiness for Them within Yourself
It is hard to be envious of those that you are happy for. Use this as an opportunity to work on your inner self. Make a decision to be happy for the person you are envying. Choose to refuse those feelings of envy. When you feel them start to creep up, decide to replace them with other, better feelings. You can tell your feelings how to behave.
3. Remind Yourself They May Have Worked Hard for What They Have
You know, many times we don’t see what a person has gone through to get where they are. Instead, we only see and focus on the end result. This could be true in many different situations. It could be when we are envying a person for financial stability, weight loss or any number of other things. Remember that there is sometimes more than meets the eye and the person you are envying may very well have worked very hard to get where they are.
4. Accept That Life Isn’t Fair
You know, this is just a hard fact of life. Life really isn’t fair. Some people are much more fortunate than others. But what can help is to realize this and accept it. Rather than trying to fight against something that we cannot change, we can just accept it.
5. Remember Your Time Will Come
Good fortune sometimes comes in waves. Very few of us have good fortune all of our lives in a constant manner. Maybe the person that you are envying is just enjoying a bit of good fortune while yours is not so good. It is good to remember that your time may come. Most of the time, the tide will eventually turn.
6. Think about Something else
If envy is eating at you, make yourself think about something else. Maybe you don’t have it within yourself to be happy for them or to count your blessings. That happens sometimes. But you can choose to think about something else. It could be your job, your flower garden or any number of other things. The point is that you shift your thoughts.
7. Refuse to Let It Consume You
Envy will eat you up if you are not careful. It is a terrible feeling and it can destroy you. Only you can make the choice not to allow that to happen. You certainly don’t want to give someone the pleasure of allowing their good fortune to devour you. Make yourself move on. You can do that.
These are 7 different ways that you can deal with envy when you feel it. What do you do to deal with envy? I would love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I feel envious of others?
- Envy often stems from comparing yourself to others and feeling like you lack something they have, which is a natural but manageable emotion.
- How can I stop comparing myself to others?
- Focus on your own strengths and progress by setting personal goals rather than measuring yourself against others.
- What are practical steps to overcome envy?
- Practice gratitude daily, celebrate others' successes genuinely, and remind yourself of your unique journey and achievements.
- Can social media increase feelings of envy?
- Yes, social media often shows highlight reels of others' lives, which can trigger envy if not viewed critically.
- How does mindfulness help with envy?
- Mindfulness helps you stay present and recognize jealous feelings without judgment, making it easier to let them go.
- Is it okay to feel envy sometimes?
- It's normal to feel envy occasionally, but what's important is how you respond to those feelings and learn from them.
- How can I support friends without feeling envious?
- Celebrate their wins sincerely and use their success as motivation rather than a benchmark against yourself.
- Can journaling help reduce envy?
- Yes, journaling can help you explore your feelings, identify triggers, and focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled.
- What role does self-confidence play in overcoming envy?
- Building self-confidence helps you appreciate your worth and reduces the need to compare yourself to others.
- When should I seek help for envy issues?
- If envy leads to persistent negative feelings or impacts your relationships, talking to a counselor or coach can be beneficial.