There’s a quote I often come back to: “Comparison is the thief of
joy.” It’s one of those truths that creeps into our lives quietly, stealing
contentment before we even realize it’s gone.
We live in a world where it’s impossible not to notice what other people
are doing. Every scroll through social media reminds us of someone else’s
highlight reel: an award won, a new house purchased, a vacation by the beach,
or even just a beautifully edited photo. At first, it looks harmless, even
inspiring. But over time, comparison takes root. What was once admiration
becomes dissatisfaction. What was once a celebration becomes self-doubt.
Instead of enjoying what we already have, we convince ourselves it isn’t
enough. We start chasing what looks shiny, desperately trying to keep up with
the Joneses. But here’s the truth: the Joneses don’t even exist. They’re an
illusion, a carefully curated story. Chasing them is a race without a finish
line.
And this isn’t just about wealth or lifestyle; it runs deep, especially
for creatives.
The Artist’s Struggle with Comparison
Being an artist, I know this reality all too well. You put your heart
into your work. You spend hours sketching, painting, designing, or creating
something you believe has meaning. Then you post it. You wait. A few likes
trickle in. Maybe one or two comments if you’re lucky.
And then you scroll.
That’s when you see another artist’s work; sharper, brighter, seemingly
more profound. Their posts get hundreds, sometimes thousands of reactions.
They’re being recognized, celebrated, and even commissioned. Meanwhile, you
start asking yourself: Why not me? Is my work even worth it? Am I really
good enough?
The harsh truth is, art is not a meritocracy. The best work doesn’t
always get the spotlight. Sometimes it’s luck, timing, or simply the right
person sharing it with the right audience. Watching others “make it” while your
work goes unnoticed can feel crushing. It’s a weight that makes you question
not only your talent but also your purpose.
And yet, here’s the secret: the only way through is persistence
Short-Term Praise vs. Long-Term Peace
Chasing recognition feels good in the moment, it’s that rush of
short-term praise. But it fades quickly. The likes stop. The applause dies
down. And then what? If your value rests only on that fleeting attention,
you’ll constantly feel empty.
The real secret to true wealth is not applause, not fame, not even sales.
It’s peace. It’s the quiet knowing that your work matters, even if the
world doesn’t recognize it immediately. It’s creating because you love the
process, because your art heals you, challenges you, or allows you to speak
when words fail. That kind of wealth lasts.
The Persuasiveness of Pessimism
Another thing I’ve noticed is how different optimism and pessimism sound
to our ears. Pessimism is always more persuasive. Someone says, “That’ll
never work” or “It’s too risky,” and immediately, we believe them.
It sounds wise, almost protective.
Optimism, on the other hand, often sounds like a sales pitch. “Keep
going, it will pay off one day” feels vague, naïve, and sometimes even
delusional. But the truth is, pessimism lives in the short term. It tells you
what can’t happen tomorrow. Optimism, however, lives in the long term.
It doesn’t promise days. It promises decades.
Think about it: every artist who’s ever been remembered wasn’t validated
in a week. Some weren’t even celebrated in their lifetime. But the impact of
their work grew over the years, decades, even centuries. Optimism is the quiet
belief that if you keep showing up, your work will find its place.
And when I reflect on this, I’m reminded of God’s timing. “For
everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1). This speaks directly into my word of the year, Providence.
It’s the assurance that God’s timing is never rushed, never delayed, but
perfectly aligned with His purpose for us.
Playing the Long Game
So where does this leave us? It leaves us with a choice.
We can choose comparison, short-term praise, and pessimism, and live in
cycles of frustration and burnout. Or we can choose peace, the long game, and
the kind of optimism that sustains us through dry seasons.
Choosing peace doesn’t mean settling. It means refusing to let external
validation dictate your worth. Choosing optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the
struggle. It means accepting that the best things, whether success,
recognition, or mastery, take time.
And playing the long game means trusting that what you create today may
not be appreciated tomorrow, but it still matters. It’s still planting seeds,
and eventually, seeds grow. As Paul reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in
doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give
up.” (Galatians 6:9). That’s the promise of long-term gain; the harvest
comes, but only after patience, consistency, and faith.
Final Thoughts
Comparison will always be there, whispering in the background.
Recognition may come slower than we hoped. And pessimism will often feel more
convincing than optimism.
But in the end, joy is found in persistence. Wealth is found in peace.
And greatness is found in the long game.
So to every artist, creator, or dreamer wondering if their work is worth
it… Yes, it is. Even if it doesn’t look like it today. Especially if it doesn’t
look like it today, because your art isn’t just for applause; it’s part of the
story you’re building.
And stories, like masterpieces, are best told over time.
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