One of the truest quotes I have heard and it’s by Theodore Roosevelt, which I just learned today after searching for its origins. I don't know about you, but I am certainly a victim of that. More often than not, I find myself losing my joy and sense of accomplishment in things I have fought for and managed to achieve just because I decided to compare myself with someone else. Thoughts like:

• Finishing work at the end of the day and feeling great about myself.

• Feeling well after completing all the errands that have piled up after a week of neglect.

• New job going well and feeling awesome to finally be appreciated for my hard work and getting paid accordingly.

• Feeling great about applying for the master's degree I've been eyeing for the last couple of years.

• Feeling good about myself for calling back the friend I've been avoiding.

• Finally getting some small wins on my investment decisions.

• Feeling good about my body after regularly going to the gym and maintaining a healthy diet without any excuses.

• Giving myself a mental high five for making an effort to stop smoking.

These are all really healthy and pleasant thoughts that can be diminished in seconds the moment you start comparing yourself with others.

The moment you open your timeline and see "Bob" sharing his wins on his last trade in the thousands, his new house, and investments multiplying, all while "Bob" is 5 years younger than you, self-made, and has been working his ass off for the last 5 years to get where he is. In that moment, you might feel like a failure, and the "loser" mindset takes over.

The thing is, this is unfair. Both to you and to all the "Bobs" you have in your life. Explaining and analyzing where and why "Bob" is in his life and how he achieved everything won't help you justify anything or assist you in any way.

You need to focus on yourself and how much you have grown, what things you have accomplished in your life. You need to compare yourself to where you have been and where you are now. Sometimes you won't like the answer, and you might have taken a few steps backward; other times you might have remained still, and other times you might have progressed more than you ever thought. What really matters is that you need to congratulate yourself, acknowledge your success, learn from your mistakes (no matter how many times you made them), and move on.

Compare yourself only with yourself and no one else.

It's easier said than done, I know. I've been there, and I still am there many times, but creating that mindset has helped a lot.

What does web3 have to do with any of this?

You might ask why I mentioned web3 in the title and what it has to do with anything. Well, I guess what is said above can be true in any field, but since I mostly spend my waking days in web3, I kind of feel that is where I find myself comparing the most.

We are in an industry that is still new, often perceived as scammy or hyped by the outside world. Even more often, people involved with web3, crypto, NFTs, etc., are asked the questions, "You must have made a lot of money, right? Are you rich yet?" And certainly, Crypto Twitter or NFT Twitter don't really help with that sentiment, with people most often than not sharing their wins rather than their losses, how they gained a big following in under 4 months or whatever, how they invested early in a project, and how they landed their perfect job.

All of these are great and should be celebrated, don't get me wrong, but for people scrolling their timeline, at some point, depending on what they have in mind, they might perceive them as unreachable goals that no matter what they do, they will never be as accomplished as their peers. As a result, they diminish their own efforts.

I think it’s important to recognise that web3, with its fast-paced developments, can amplify the comparison trap. The constant exposure to others' achievements and successes can create a distorted perception of reality. It's easy to forget that a Twitter timeline and all timelines for what its worth often showcase the highlights of people's lives and not always how they managed to get where they are.

In this environment, it becomes crucial to remind ourselves of the dangers of comparison. Instead of fixating on others' wins, it's more productive to focus on our own progress and accomplishments within the web3 space. Consider how far you have come, the challenges you have overcome, and the knowledge and skills you have acquired.

It's worth noting that being successful in crypto & web3, just like any other field, is a result of individual circumstances, timing, hard work, sometimes luck and a myriad of factors that may not be immediately visible. Everyone has their own unique journey, and comparing yours to someone else's can only hinder your growth and happiness.

I guess my advice and the way I am trying to handle it all is by saying that, the next time you find yourself falling into a comparison trap take a step back. Remember that your path is unique, and your progress should be measured against your own goals, not someone else's. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem, and focus on your personal growth and development.

Ultimately, the key is to cultivate a mindset that values self-compassion, self-awareness, and gratitude for your own journey. By embracing your individuality and staying true to your own path, you can break free from the toxic cycle of comparison and find joy and fulfilment in your own accomplishments.

Comparison is indeed the thief of joy, but by redirecting your focus inward and embracing your own progress, you can reclaim that joy and thrive.

Thank you for reading and see you in the next one. 🙏

I'm not entirely sure why I decided to start a mirro.xyz profile. Initially, I had considered writing threads on Twitter, but it felt like those wouldn't be sufficient to fully convey my train of thought. Additionally, Twitter seemed too public for what I had in mind. Mirror or Medium, on the other hand, feel like safer spaces for sharing. Perhaps my friend Senti, who brought it up during one of our conversations, ignited something within me.

In terms of content, I envision my mirror as a diary/mashup of topics related to web3 (and more) that interest me the most. Reflecting on my initial statement, I believe one of the reasons for creating a mirror profile is to embrace honesty – being true to myself and my thoughts, and finding a place where I can share without hesitation.

An intro on who am I?

Ah, this question always feels strange.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks, or when you ask yourself, "Who am I?"

For me, the weight of this question varies depending on who, when, and where it's asked. The answer can range from the "usual" response: "My name is Nikos, and I work in web3 in various marketing-related roles. I love learning new things, meeting new people, savoring an excellent cup of coffee in the morning, and enjoying weekly BBQ sessions with my friends," to a more complex reflection like, "I have no idea who I am, but I'm on a quest to discover myself. I strive to make the most of my time above ground by pursuing things I enjoy (or think I enjoy), all while constantly pondering what I'll leave behind when my time below ground arrives. Throughout this journey, I aim to live by my principles to the best of my ability." Maybe this answers the question, or maybe it doesn't?

That's all for now. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you in the next one.

Cover image by pikisuperstar, find their work here