Keeping up with the Joneses
We are currently living in a capitalist society. Where everyone
has to earn a living in order to survive and we also want more.
I personally do not have a problem with our way of living.
However, what really bothers me is the nonsense of keeping up
with the Joneses. Not only do we want bigger and better things.
We also want to be better than everyone else. Is this a healthy
way to live?
No, I do not think so. A little competition does not hurt
anybody. But, I see many people that are constantly comparing
their material possessions to that of others as well as
themselves. This behavior is insane for various reasons.
1. Everyone is different- There are no two individuals in this
world that are exactly alike. We all have our different virtues
and flaws. Therefore, success in life whether personally or
professionally should be define by individuals but, in their own
terms. 2. Waste of time and energy- Instead of spending time
comparing your self, your possessions etc. to someone else's you
can invest it in to doing something productive for yourself. 3.
Keeping up with the Joneses is unrealistic- Let's face it, there
are all type of people. So, can you really compete with
EVERYONE? Besides even if you win the lotto there are always
going to be people richer than you. The same rule applies on the
other direction too. There are always people that have less than
you. So, even if you do not have much, be thankful. 4. It can
lower your confidence level- Constantly comparing yourself to a
successful friend or family member can eventually have a direct
negative effect on you. Therefore, your confidence level can
decrease.
Remember we are all uniquely special in one way or another.
Wanting to have material things to me is not that bad. However,
it does become an issue if you value yourself solely for what
you have. Instead, always remember the following quote":
Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul
are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you."
~Oscar
Your Friend,
Kenia Morales