COMPARISONS-Are They a Trap OR an Inspiration for Increased Success?
We are often told to avoid comparison. It is even commanded in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt not covet…” I agree, we should avoid being trapped by comparing ourselves to others; however, I believe comparison can be healthy if we learn to surround those comparisons with questions.
I have had many mentors through the years. They have come in all shapes and sizes. Some have been the bosses when I worked in industry. Some are hired coaches. Some are business managers whose styles I like or dislike. I am constantly comparing myself, style, techniques, values, morals, systems, and integrity to others. I always ask the question, “why?” Why do they…
- choose that car?
- fire/hire that person?
- use that presentation style?
- join that organization?
- write a book on that topic?
- choose that outfit?
- wear their hair that way?
As long as we are not passing judgement, but rather observing to understand “why,” I believe we are OK.
Now you might say we need to be ourselves. I also agree, yet I see the comparison much like the role of hiring a coach or consultant. Comparison, when asking questions, gives us someone else’s perspective. It is a time to look through a second pair of eyes. As long as we continue to ask questions, we avoid being trapped.
Seeing people who do what I do for an avocation encourages me. People who excel at what I do is especially inspiring to me. As example, when seeing a well trained/polished presenter perform, I am inspired to evaluate what makes them excel. I work at adding what makes them exceptional to my presentation.
When reading another author’s book, sometimes I am validated in my thinking. At other times I question an author’s point of view. In both cases I am comparing myself to them.
I want to know how other consultants work. I attend their seminars to learn what makes them succeed. I believe that there are no “new” ideas. All of us continue to “tweak” concepts, making them unique to our systems.
Mentors like Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, Brian Tracy, and Mark LeBlanc have taught me. They have taught me through comparison and evaluation to grow my practice. As I learned from them, I compared myself to create a level of success that equals their success.
Taking a moment to evaluate some of the things I know about Zig:
- As I write this article he has just celebrated his 80th birthday.
- He continues to build a successful business.
- He has been married to his beloved “Red head” forever.
- Raised his family as Christians.
- Practices and teaches the concept of give to receive.
- Works with people of the highest morals, values and ethics.
- Has created his legacy in books and electronic media.
- Started his sales career selling pots and pans door to door.
Watching him on stage is a great source of information and also a great source of inspiration and entertainment. What can you learn from observing Zig Ziglar? His tape series Courtship After Marriage tells it all! Treat your spouse as if you were just meeting for that first date. Be excited. Be enthused. How might our lives change if we treated our significant others everyday as if we were meeting for the first time?
I encourage you to look at those you see as role models and compare yourself to them. Choose to do more of what they do to be your role model. Ask the questions what, when, where and why to find your increased success. Comparison, used in the best way, will provide you the best life.
Gerry Rose runs INTEGRITY Networking Solutions in Oceanside, CA. He works with realtors who want to attract the right prospects and their affinity partners who want to generate more referrals. More than 10,000 businesses have been presented the INTEGRITY Networking Solutions system in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties.
Gerry’s stimulating presentation Unlimited Prospects, Unlimited Referrals is ideally suited for small business owners, home-based businesses, and independent professionals who want clearer direction and want to attract more prospects, develop dynamic systems, and strengthen their companies’ accountability. Gerry does one on one consulting, conducts a range of keynote speeches from thirty minutes to full-day education workshops.
His book series, Unlimited Prospects, Unlimited Referrals, are available on the website, www.integritysd.com.
Gerry has more than 20 years’ experience directing business owners how to grow their businesses. He is a networking dynamo. Those who know him will assure you that he does a great job of bringing people together—which is why he started Integrity.
Involved with networking organizations since 1984, Gerry is a Distinguished Toastmaster, a member of Toastmaster International, and has chaired numerous chambers of commerce and non-profit organizations.
Are you truly committed to attracting the right prospects and generate more referrals? If so then contact INTEGRITY Networking Solutions for availability and information. You can contact Gerry by mail at 1610 Quiet Hills Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056. Direct dial (760) 439-4623; e-mail to gerry@integritysd.com. For more information, go to www.integritysd.com
