Rule #4: Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else Is Today

In his groundbreaking book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, Jordan Peterson lays out principles for navigating life with meaning and purpose. Among these, Rule #4 stands out as a crucial guide to cultivating self-improvement and avoiding the toxic trap of comparison.

The Danger of Comparing Yourself to Others

In a world dominated by social media, it’s easy to compare yourself to others. You scroll through endless photos of people showcasing their perfect vacations, flawless physiques, thriving careers, and seemingly ideal lives. But as Peterson reminds us, these comparisons are often unfair and misleading.

What you see online—or even in real life—is only a fraction of someone else’s story. You don’t see their struggles, their pain, or the sacrifices they’ve made. Comparing yourself to others forces you to play a game where you’re bound to feel inadequate. Instead, Peterson suggests a far healthier and more productive alternative: compare yourself only to who you were yesterday.

Look Inward: The Journey of Daily Improvement

When you compare yourself to your past self, you focus on the one variable you can control: your own growth. Were you kinder today than you were yesterday? Did you make healthier choices? Did you take one small step toward a goal you’ve been procrastinating on?

Progress doesn’t have to be dramatic. Even tiny, incremental improvements compound over time. As Peterson writes, “You must decide who you are, and then act, rather than simply react.” By doing so, you create a life that’s uniquely yours, built on foundations of authenticity and effort rather than fleeting comparisons.

What You Aim At Determines What You See

Peterson also emphasizes that “what you aim at determines what you see.” This means that your focus shapes your reality. If you aim at success, you’ll start noticing opportunities. If you aim at gratitude, you’ll begin to see the beauty in everyday life. Conversely, if you aim at negativity or comparison, you’ll find reasons to feel inadequate.

Your aim is like a compass—it directs your gaze and determines the path you take. Choose your aim wisely. Reflect on what truly matters to you, set your sights on it, and let your actions follow.

A Call to Action

As you embark on this journey of self-improvement, remember that every small step matters. Take time today to reflect on who you were yesterday and identify even one small way you can grow.

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Take the first step toward a better you—today. The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday.