We often want to do the best that we can. Whether it is academically, mentally, or physically, we desire to be the best that we can be. This can often result in comparing our progress to others. I am unbelievably guilty of constantly comparing where I am in my life to where my peers are. If they can run a marathon, does that mean I’m a failure if I can’t? If he answered that insanely hard question correctly and I got an incorrect mark, does that mean I’m not smart enough?

With the mounting pressure of university, work, and relationships, it can become a habit to compare where you are to everyone surrounding you. As an outsider, you don’t see the struggles individuals face when they are alone. You don’t see the months of training and contemplation of giving up before the runner completes their marathon. You don’t see the hours of frustration your peer went through the night before the test to solve that one question you struggled to answer.

We are our own biggest critics. If we fail to reach our goal we come down hardest on ourselves and mentally critique and question what we have achieved. We all have flaws, but that should not stop you from embracing your strengths. In a society where self-love is consistently questioned, we need to start accepting ourselves and loving who we are in this very moment. By no means is it easy — it is something incredibly difficult to put into action. But it is worth it.

We are all at different stages and places in our lives, and the best thing you can start to do is embrace your strengths, accept your flaws, and focus on where you are in your life. Not your peers, not your family, your flatmates, or friends, but you.