7 Ways to Stop Being Envious of Other People

Being green with envy never feels good. Humans are compelled to compare everything, from the food we eat to the house we own. However, letting these comparisons control your mentality can be harmful.

If you spend your days wishing you were living someone else’s life, you won’t be able to live your own life to the fullest.

Stop Being Envious of Other People

1. Figure Out Why You’re Envious
If you want to stop being jealous of other people, you have to figure out why you’re jealous in the first place. What is it that triggers your envy?

For example, perhaps you’re envious of a co-worker because she can think of unique ideas. Usually, jealousy stems from a feeling of inferiority – so if you want to stop the envy, you need to get to the root of the cause.

2. Focus on the Good
Once you know the reason why you’re envious, you can instead focus on the positives in your life.

Even if you don’t have everything your friends have, you still have something to appreciate. Perhaps you love your smile or you have some dogs that mean the world to you.

Even if it’s something as simple as a nice routine each day, being more positive will lead to a better you.

3. Compare Less
It’s natural to want to compare, and many times comparisons are not bad. However, if you’re a comparison junkie, you may find yourself comparing every little thing.

Keeping up with the Joneses comes from constant comparison, and this breeds unending envy. Take a step back when you feel the urge to compare, or correct yourself if you catch yourself slipping up.

4. Be Happy For Other People
If you’re struggling with jealousy, being happy for other people can be tough. However, being happy for other people’s achievements will yield better results than being resentful.

If you’re jealous, that feeling can be deadweight on your mind and will constantly keep you bitter. Instead, let go and appreciate the work others have completed.

5. Appreciate Yourself More
While it’s good to appreciate other people, remember to take care of yourself.

Oftentimes, we can feel depressed after comparing ourselves to other people. For example, if you’re jealous that you can’t play a sport as well as a friend, remind yourself that you have skills in other areas. Perhaps you’re a strong musician or you have an excellent memory. Be proud of your strengths.

6. Give What You’d Want From Others
We’ve all heard the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated.” These lessons from elementary school may seem silly, but they still hold true.

Would you rather have someone be genuinely happy for your achievements, or would you prefer receiving a fake smile and a half-hearted congratulations?

Instead of letting your resentment and jealousy take over your life, try to remind yourself how you’d want to be treated if the situation was switched around. Taking a walk in another person’s shoes can change the way you think.

7. Avoid Other Envious People
When you surround yourself with positivity, you’ll have a more optimistic outlook. If you’re surrounded by pessimism, then you’ll have a more negative demeanor.

Each and every day our peers impact our thoughts.

If you’re surrounded by people who are petty and say negative comments due to jealousy, you’ll be more inclined to do the same. Eliminate these naysayers, and instead, keep company with people who are more willing to let their genuine feelings show.

This won’t be an instant change. You’ll have to constantly remind yourself and call yourself out on your envy if you want to stop comparing yourself all the time. It takes practice.

However, once you get into the habit of being happy for other people first, you’ll be able to appreciate your own life even more.

About the Author
Kayla Matthews is a lifehacking and productivity blogger with a passion for positive thinking.