Comparison is truly the thief of joy… I was speaking with a client of mine, a successful actress and VO artist, who was comparing themselves to a very well-known actress and star of a hit TV show on Netflix, and honestly? She was right to do so. Let me explain. It is easy to see people ahead of us and immediately compare ourselves to: The success The money The work You name it. It’s EASY to compare that. But what I shared with her was: “And what did it cost her?” “How long has she been playing the game?” “What has she had to give up to get here?” We. Have. No. Idea. On the surface of other’s success it is EASY to compare, so yes, rightfully so she should compare. But that doesn’t mean the answer on the other side is so simple. I know many people in high places who sacrificed families, holidays, relationships, and more because work was more important or the main focus. It doesn’t make it wrong for any of us to prioritize something over another, but there most certainly is a cost and consequences to success. Not good. Not bad. Just different. So before you let your comparison steal your own joy and your own success, keep in mind… You have no idea what someone had to go through to get where they are today. *and this actress? She’s been playing the game since the early 90’s and is now finally “succeeding” even after quite a busy career. Not even remotely an overnight success.