The weirdest thing I did to overcome jealously.
It has been peaceful ever since
One of the unconventional ways I overcame my imposter syndrome was by unfollowing those I admired or envied for their popularity. This strategy turned out to be a game-changer for me.
Whenever I saw someone achieving what I aspired to or enjoying the success I desired, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I knew that if I wasn’t careful, this jealousy could transform into bitterness. So, one day, I made a bold decision: I unfollowed them all and made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t follow them again until I was spiritually mature enough to handle their success. I realized that jealousy is a mark of immaturity.
I returned to my vision board and redefined my idea of success. Watching their profiles had distracted me from building my own path to success. I charted a clear course towards my goals and focused all my energy on bringing my vision to life.
Remember that scripture about having a single eye, and your whole body will be filled with light? (Matt 6:22–23) I became that single-minded individual. I stayed laser-focused on my personal growth. Unfollowing these individuals brought me immense peace, and I began to hear God’s guidance more clearly.
Their lifestyles and success had cluttered the space where God had always intended to communicate with me. I also cut down on my social media usage because it was negatively impacting me in three ways: It fueled jealousy, diverted my attention from my own work, and left me feeling drained.
Watching someone else’s life can be exhausting. Yes, it’s good for motivation and can show you what’s possible, but if not regulated, that motivation can turn into stress and self-doubt. Regulating my social media consumption allowed me to redirect my time towards taking concrete steps toward my goals.
It’s not about being perpetually busy; it’s about being productive in a way that propels me toward success. When I reached a level of maturity, I started following them again. This took almost a year or even longer, and the difference was striking.
Instead of envy, their success now filled me with positive energy. I felt deeply motivated and even approached them for collaborations and partnerships because I had developed myself to a level where I could approach them confidently.
I continue to employ this strategy regularly, sometimes even forgetting to follow them because I am so engrossed in my personal journey — dedicated to building myself and my work. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding jealousy; it’s also about not following individuals whose online presence revolves entirely around ‘Me! Me! Me!’ or presents an unrealistic and insincere standard of success.
For those individuals, I strongly advise against following them at all. Instead, seek out people who share their journeys, including their failures and the path they took to reach their current position.
As Vusi Thembekwayo wisely said, ‘I don’t invest in businesses that haven’t failed because failed businesses have experienced the other side of what happens when success doesn’t materialize.’
My spiritual mentor frequently emphasizes, ‘I cannot trust a self-made person; they don’t go far.’ Every edifice has a foundation, and those who ‘just arrived’ often mislead others into thinking that instant success, wealth, or fame is the norm.
Be discerning about whom you look up to and how long you gaze in comparison to what you’re building.
Stay steadfast on your own journey, my friends!
I hope you find this perspective helpful on your own path to success and personal growth.
Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.
Colossians 3:23 (TPT)
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