Flexing - A Dangerous Culture of Comparison.

The recently increasing presence of flexing on social platforms promotes a culture of comparison. This creates a sense of inferiority, inadequacy and despondency among young people, when they compare their lives and achievements to those of others. However, I align myself with a perspective that this is an unfair, unhealthy way to assess one’s self-worth or progress.

Admittedly, it is important to acknowledge that every individual is unique, born into different circumstances and nurtures varied talents and dreams at their own pace. Consider a child born in a rural setting, with parents who are of low socioeconomic classes with limited social connections. It would be completely unrealistic and unfair for such a child to feel disappointment for not being able to study abroad, own a car, buy a property at a young age. This suggests that our circumstances, experiences, and resources all play a part in shaping our life journeys.

Of course, there are some exceptional individuals who rise above their challenging or poverty-stricken backgrounds to achieve remarkable success. These stories are admirable and inspiring, but remember that they are the outliers, not the norm.

Furthermore, comparing ourselves to these exceptional cases can often create an unrealistic benchmark. This not only creates an unhealthy standard for success, but it also generates undue peer pressure. In the worst-case scenarios, it can even lead to severe mental health issues, like depression.

For these reasons, we should shift our focus from external comparisons to personal growth. Look inwards. If you have made any progress, no matter how small, or if you are in a better place than you were yesterday, you should feel a sense of pride. Personal growth, resilience, and continuous learning are all aspects to cherish and celebrate.

In essence, our journeys are uniquely our own. Rather than looking at where others began and drawing comparisons, we should focus on our own paths. It is about running our own race, growing at our own pace, and recognizing that success is not one-size-fits-all.