In this age of effortless access to tons of information, it’s easy to admire people for one thing or another and to yearn to be in their shoes. There is no shortage of qualities or attributes to which we would aspire -- money, lifestyle, courage, attitude, family, possessions, job, skills, intelligence, etc.
It’s fun and entertaining to imagine ourselves in someone else’s shoes and if it gives you a shot of adrenaline and only a shot of adrenaline, then go for it, and you can stop reading this article right now.
However, if you find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time wanting to be or have what someone else is or has, you need to consider a few things.
1. If they have acquired a skill, they had to work very hard to do so.
You may say, “I wish I could play piano like her ...” however, she didn’t just sit down one day and play like that. She spent hours and hours and hours learning and practicing.
Do you really wish you could play piano like that? Are you willing to put in the time and effort? If not, then maybe you don’t.
2. What you admire may be something that is completely out of your control.
If, for example, you want to be as tall as a basketball player, you are really setting yourself up for a lot of frustration and disappointment.
3. There are downsides to just about everything.
Wish you could win the lottery or sweepstakes? Don’t we all! Would you be prepared, though, for the fallout that has been experienced by many lottery winners?
Scam artists, robberies, family members that come out of the woodwork, friends that did favors for you that now want to be paid for those favors, phone calls, threats and so on.
4. They have their own warts.
Do you know anyone who doesn’t? No matter how happy others seem to be with what they have, they have their problems too. Some movie stars and other celebrities are famous for their drug and alcohol problems, marital problems, insecurities, sensitivity to critics, etc. Athletes have injuries and must spend inordinate amounts of time practicing.
People in high places with money have the same problems that we all do. Do you really want all the baggage that goes with these positions in life?
I don’t mean to be a Negative Nelly here, just realistic. Like I said earlier, if you daydream as a form of recreation there is no harm in it. In fact, it may actually pump you up! But if you are obsessing, stressing and wasting time that you’ll never get back by wanting to be like someone else, you should think about what you’re doing.
Perhaps when you consider the points above you’ll realize that the grass isn’t really always greener, and you can get back to enjoying what you do have and working toward what you don’t.
Download free eBook "Stressays" when you take our 5-minute survey on stress! http://budurl.com/su23/
Dealing with cancer, some other major illness, or life in general? Our free daily tips will help you cope: sign-up at http://www.CopingQuickies.com/
For even more stress management tips and techniques visit http://www.CopingUniversity.com/ where world-class experts share their wisdom to help you cope. Hours of FREE online audio programs will help reduce your stress and restore your hope.
Topics are unique, unusual, fascinating, and just plain fun! Learn how to find humor when nothing seems funny, how to love the way you look no matter what, and how to be romantic even during a serious illness.
Our online content is always free, so visit today! And, check out our YouTube channel for entertaining coping ideas: http://www.YouTube.com/copinguniversity/
Edited by Jessica Obert