A Letter To Our Interns

What is it about life that sometimes makes us feel like we’ve missed the mark or lagged behind?

When we take a look at the people we cherish, it’s easy to get caught up in the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset. Social media, our conversations, and even our own thoughts can fuel a constant sense of comparison. However, this relentless comparison can take a toll on our mental health and overall well-being.

Comparison is the thief of all joy—When we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, we often lose sight of our own progress and can end up feeling empty or resentful. We forget that each of us is on a unique path. I’ve learned the hard way that life is not a race, even though it can sometimes feel that way. We are meant to face life’s challenges and everything that comes with them at our own pace.

Life is not about competing or comparing with others. While a little healthy motivation from those around us can be beneficial, forgetting that each of us has our own journey can actually hinder our progress. This year, I want to challenge myself—and I invite you to do the same—by focusing on your personal goals. Remember that no matter how long it takes, you will achieve them. Once you realize that your true competition is within yourself, everything becomes clearer and more manageable.

Here are ten tips that have helped me stay focused on my path and journey. I hope they will guide you as well, helping you concentrate on your goals and ultimately reach them:

1. Embrace Your Own Timeline

We all have different starting points and paces. Just because someone else seems ahead, it doesn’t mean you’re behind. Stay focused on your own timeline and trust that everything will unfold in its own time.

2. Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small

Every small step forward is still progress. Take time to celebrate these moments, as they accumulate into something greater than you realise.

3. Avoid the Trap of Social Media Comparison

Social media often showcases only the highlights of people’s lives, omitting their struggles. Keep this in mind while scrolling, and refrain from measuring your success against someone else’s carefully curated moments.

4. Set Personal, Meaningful Goals

Ensure your goals are meaningful to YOU, not just to society or others. By defining your own success, you can measure it based on what truly matters to you.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself on days when it feels like progress is slow. Understand that setbacks are part of your journey and do not define your worth. You are doing your best, and that is enough.

6. Cultivate Gratitude

Take a moment each day to appreciate what you have. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset from feeling “behind” to recognising how much you’ve achieved and how far you’ve come.

7. Focus on Growth, Not Perfection

It’s easy to prioritize perfection, but growth should be the main objective. Embrace the opportunity to fail, learn, and improve without fear of criticism.

8. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people. Steer clear of those who promote competition or comparison, and instead, seek individuals who uplift you and remind you of your unique value.

9. Practice Patience

Trust that everything will fall into place when it is meant to. Patience is key in realising that things often take longer than we expect, and that is okay. The right things will happen at the right time.

10. Reconnect with Your “Why”

Whenever you feel lost or frustrated, take a step back and reconnect with why you started your journey in the first place. Your “why” serves as your internal compass, guiding you through difficult moments and reminding you of your purpose.

In the end, remember that your journey is uniquely yours and doesn’t have to resemble anyone else’s. Be kind to yourself, celebrate your progress, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Life’s challenges are part of the beautiful process of growth. By staying focused on your own path, you’ll achieve everything you are meant to. Keep believing in yourself, and know that with patience and perseverance, your goals are within reach. You’ve got this!

Author: Marli Visagie