Dear Teen,
Every single student I have asked if they ever compare themselves to their peers has said yes. Every single student I have asked if when they compare themselves it makes them feel better about themselves has said no. And I have asked a lot! So of course I am constantly telling teens not to compare themselves with others. There will always be the student who gets a 4 point bazillion GPA and a gazillion on the SATs (that usually at least gets a small smile out of them)! So why not focus on being the best you can be? Easier said than done but starts with changing the message in your head. Instead of seeing that everyone around you got a higher grade than you on the test, ask yourself what else can I be doing? Am I doing the best I can everyday? And I don’t mean studying or homework 24/7. You need a life with balance too. So at the end of the day did you try your best? Were you able to set priorities and get things done? I know many of you are balancing school, family, sports or extracurricular stuff, friends, etc. Do you take care of what needs to be done? Also know that it seems just about everyone compares themselves to their peers. It’s pretty normal to do that, but is it working for you? Probably not. So try something new and believe in what you are capable of doing. Everyone comes with a different brain, different experiences, different learning abilities, different personalities…how could we possibly compare? So give yourself a break, stop comparing and just watch how relieving it feels! Start believing in your own individuality…see where it takes you.
Which words do you relate to?
COMPETENT-FUN-FRIENDS-DRIVEN-CONFIDENT-FABULOUS-FUTURE-FAMILY-HONEST-OPTIONS-POSSIBILITIES-EMOTIONS-SMILE-POSITIVE-HAPPY-ATTITUDE-IMAGE-SELF-EXCEPTIONAL-TALENTED-COMPASSIONATE-TRUST-COMMUNICATION-OPTIMISTIC-ATHLETIC-FUNNY-SMART-BEAUTIFUL-CARING-DREAMS-BELIEVE-TRUTH-LOVE-CREATIVE-HEALTH-KIND-CAREER-CHOICES-ADD YOUR OWN WORD!