“Envy, if surrounded on all sides by the brightness of another’s prosperity, like the scorpion confined within a circle of fire, will sting itself to death” – Colton
“Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship”
- Omar Bradley
Envy’s voice must be silenced. Its manipulative voice will divert your attention to matters not worthy of your attention. If you allow it to speak, you endanger yourself into falling into a deep pit of emotional turbulence that will lead to unhealthy competition or unfocused activities. Envy will initially increase your energy because of the drive to discredit others or the hatred that it gives birth to. But it will also sap your energy if you are continually possessed by it.
Envy should not be allowed to speak to your minds. But before that can be done, you must recognize its voice. Envy is there when you feel hurt because others are blessed and well. Envy is there when a voice in your mind says that it should have been you who deserved the credit instead of others. Envy is there when you hate someone for his/her good qualities. Envy is there if you lose focus on your personal journey and begin focusing on someone else’s journey. You want to follow another course because you are driven with an unhealthy desire to be like them.
Is there any good in envy? There is none. But I did hear of a godly envy. It is the opposite of envy. Godly envy has no negative emotions, only positive. You wish everyone well, there is no trace of ill feelings. You are inspired to do well and to stay on your course, instead of diverting your course.
To gain inner strength, you must overcome envy. Be happy when others are blessed and promoted in life. Praise someone else’s good qualities. But never feel insecure. If someone else achieved his or her fortune faster than you, do not fret. Do not compete either. You have your own course to follow.
Each of us has different types of happiness, we have different strengths and weaknesses, and we have different dreams. So we need not compare.
A real estate developer may have a different dream from a singer. A singer may have a different dream from a motivational speaker. A motivational speaker may have a different dream from a corporate executive. A corporate executive may have a different dream from a scientist. A scientist may have a different dream from a movie producer.
We also value different things. A man may value harmony in his family much more than a corporate promotion. Another may value recognition more than financial rewards. A man may value the chance to impart knowledge to others than becoming a millionaire.
Therefore, there is no need to compare and no need to envy others.
Know your course and know what you value. Do not focus on others’ journey. Focus on your own. Remember that you can never maximize your full potential if you do not overcome envy.
Have you silenced envy? Are you focused?
© Ed Pilapil Jr. – life coach, business coach, motivational speaker
3 responses so far ↓
ROBERT // August 4, 2008 at 11:15 am |
I,ve been drowning in envy for the past 2 months. So much so, that, i,ve gone from 175 pounds to a mere 156 in such a short span. My wife of 21 years found a male friend who has been treating her like a charm, an angel a prize. She eventually responded in kind to this friend and neglected my emotional needs. Needless to say, I’ve been badly hurt! Lately, though, I’ve noticed a shift in my emotions and my attitude. I convinced myself to accept that which i cannot change and change what i can…ME! Today i came across this article on avoiding envy and it served as the final nail in the coffin. Now as i write this note, i feel content in knowing that it was not a violent act perpetrated against me but a life sequence in my journey. I admire both she and he for having the audacity to follow their passions and i applaud them for acting out on their dream.
lifejourneycoach // August 4, 2008 at 12:35 pm |
You have been hurt badly but you have begun your recovery. The statement below is proof.
“I convinced myself to accept that which i cannot change and change what i can…ME!”
Yanyan // March 10, 2009 at 5:57 pm |
Hi Sir,
Today, I did not win the prize that I have fought for. I feel like I was betrayed. But then, I know there is something inside me that’s telling me, the prize was not meant for you for a reason. I tried to reason out, “Why not me, what’s my problem?”…but then again, when I have examined my th0ughts in my mind and the heavy emotions playing in my heart, I prayed and i asked forgiveness and Spiritual strength to shift this “Envy” to appreciation and thanksgiving.After all, there are still so many prizes worth winning for, if not, worth fighting for.
Thanks for your article, Sir.