How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Co-Workers

How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Co-WorkersHow to Stop Comparing Yourself to Co-Workers In this day and age, it seems competition is everywhere we look whether its comparing ourselves to the people we follow online or staying late at the office to outwork your colleagues, we have a tendency to compete.Why is that? While some professionals might find inspiration in having a goal to work against their co-workers, wouldnt it be better to work as a gruppe? Instead of seeing what others have as something to work towards, wouldnt we all work better if we focused on appreciating what we have?Competition in the workplace especially leads to stress for everyone involved your manager, your co-worker and of course, YOU. Ultimately, competing and comparing yourself and how you stack up against your co-workers leads to a negative environment , both in your headspace and in your office.Glassdoor spoke with Laura Weldy, womens life and leadership coach at The Well Support ed Woman , to learn some insights on how we can squash competition with our co-workers.Instead of focusing on competing with your co-worker, Weldy says you need to first dedicate some time to inward reflection. If you pause to analyze the situation and determine why that colleague is bringing out this competitive edge in you, then youll find the answer you need to stop.Whats the need that youre trying to fill by being ultra competitive? What do you think youll receive as a result of being the first one to complete the project, or the one to receive the lengthy email shout out from your anfhrer? If what youre looking for is respect, fulfillment, or recognition, then its up to you to figure out a way to give yourself those things in a healthier way, says Weldy.Take a moment to ask yourself the following Why do you feel the need to compete with your co-worker? Are you jealous of their position or think they have a better relationship with your boss? Are you afraid youre going to lose your job? Does your co-worker make mora money than you?Weldy refers to these negative thoughts the results of imposter syndrome, or the fear that we are doing something wrong. Were always worried that someone is just waiting to call us out for not doing things correctly, and we use comparison as a way to make sure were on track, she explains. The problem with this is that it also squashes innovation. Youll never do or create something truly innovative if youre only allowing yourself to take actions that have been validated by the people around you. Comparing yourself to your co-workers is a quick way to create more doubt and more boring work, rather than the confidence youre craving.Some of you might be thinking, but competition with my co-worker makes me work harder and smarter , and while its true that some rivalry can be healthy, it really depends on whether or not its beneficial for everyone involved . You have to keep in mind how your competitive tendencies are treating other s is your co-worker being alienated or are you causing them stress because you feel the need to compete? Or vice versa? This is where you need to communicate with your colleague and be honest about your intentions.Theres no reason that those motivated by competition cant embrace it, while those who are frustrated by competition are allowed to pursue a different method, suggests Weldy. If youre unsure whether competition is a motivating factor for you or for your coworkers/staff members, consider having the team take a personality test like the StrengthsFinder together. Its designed to help you identify your unique strengths, challenges and your motivations and might help you to make the whole environment more inclusive and inspiring.At the end of the day, having and recognizing your confidence will ultimately help you stop comparing yourself to your co-workers. As Weldy mentioned before, Comparing yourself to your co-workers is a quick way to create more doubt and more boring work , rather than the confidence youre craving.Try replacing the confidence you have in competing with your co-worker with confidence just in yourself. If you channel all that energy youre putting into trying to outwork or outsmart your colleague and instead put it into focusing on your own work, youll find that all you are really after is the knowledge that you are good at your job and you dont need validation from anyone for that