Comments on: Why Comparing Yourself to Others Could Be Suffocating Your Success

By: Tina Phillips

Tina Phillips — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:15:53 +0000

Thank you so much. I really think t his is helpful information.

By: Don’t compare yourself to others | Results Junkies

Don’t compare yourself to others | Results Junkies — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:21:53 +0000

[…] In fact, comparing yourself to others may be suffocating your success: […]

By: michele

michele — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:38:46 +0000

Good Morning Christine,
This was a perfect portion for me to read today. Mentors are great but trying to be someone we are not is impossible. I’m working with a friend who is one of my biggest mentors in the art and design world. We are contemplating a show. He suggested my style was a bit traditional and he’s definately contemporary. At first, I thought ok I’ll change my art a bit. But after a few days of thinking I realized that I’ll just do my own thing and see how it all comes together. When I’m ready to show the work to him I will show a collection of what works for me. If he likes it and we can do a show together — great. If not, Oh well! I finished my art. So, the great news is that he is pushing me and I’m thinking of ways that inspire me in my own style. I like a push from others but I’ll still be myself!
The problem is staying focused for most of us - I think that is the biggest struggle for me. As an artist, I find that I have a bit of Attention Deficit. Artists love to create things. I’ll just have to keep the focus going on my blog/interior design business as well as my art. That is my goal for myself. Freedom to live a life I’ve been dreaming about my whole life time. So, now I’d better get to work! Ha!

By: Christine OKelly

Christine OKelly — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:33:28 +0000

I love your quote Diane! “Create the product or service that you want, but can’t find.” That is definitely the heart of this message. Instead of copying what is working for other people, we need to take a look at own needs and find creative ways to solve them. What a great service you are providing to writers! Establishing yourself in the niche market of websites for writers was a smart idea!

By: dianewb

dianewb — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:40:29 +0000

I build websites for authors and one of the quotes I’ve heard for authors and writers is: “Write the book you want to read, but can’t find.”

I’m struck by the similarity between this and your post. It could be said in the business world, “Create the product or service that you want, but can’t find.” If you would be interested in it, then surely someone else would be. And if you’re really interested in it, then you’re probably more qualified than you think to get it going.

That’s certainly what I did. I saw a need that wasn’t being filled and I thought, who will do it for me? And I thought, well, I’ll just do it myself. It was terrifying, because I believed there were others doing it ‘better.’ But two years later, I’ve got my own freelancing business. It was hard to tackle the fear, but by looking at what I could offer first, I made a success of it.

By: HD BizBlog- The Blog: Productivity in Context » Blog Archive » Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 06:03:20 +0000

[…] Christine O’Kelly discusses the dangers of behaving like the Cargo Cultists. […]

By: Christine OKelly

Christine OKelly — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:55:53 +0000

Ron - you are a man after my own heart! These are wise words - I can see why that article was so popular. It just makes sense. I’ve spent years chasing money making opportunities that had nothing to do with my actual talents and desires and none of them ever worked. Now I’m striving to make “work” something that is not something completely separate from life. Whether you become a gazillionaire or not, life can be much more rewarding and abundant when you’re not stuck in between a work life and a personal life.

By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal

Ron@TheWisdomJournal — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:46:00 +0000

Thanks for another great post, Christine!

This is kick in the pants to everyone who wants the results of success but won’t put in the work. You do have to blaze your own trail and seek ways to define your unique selling position.

My most popular article to date (over 125,000 hits) had a paragraph on making money. I said that “Wealth is created when you provide something interesting, unique and valuable to people who demand it. Until then, you will be trading hours for dollars and you’ll always think you’re underpaid. “Find a need and fill it” is the old mantra and it is still quoted because it’s true. In today’s world it should read “Create a need that only you can fill.” Then you’ll be on your way to wealth. The lesson learned: figure out where there are unmet needs and figure out a way to fill those needs.”

By: Christine OKelly

Christine OKelly — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:54:49 +0000

@ Garth: “Takin Out The Stinkin Thinkin Trash” - love it. Thinking is good. Over-thinking will stop you from doing anything. I used to over-plan everything. Then every time I did, something MAJOR would happen and screw up the whole entire plan. Plus - I’ve noticed that many times things that don’t work out on paper actually work out in real life.

@ Hunter: I know! I heard that story a few weeks ago and I’ve been thinking about it daily ever since. Definitely one of the funniest stories I’ve heard about. I can completely visualize the whole scene.

@ Dave: I can see why comparing yourself to Tony Robbins could stop you dead in your tracks! There is one Tony Robbins but still thousands of coaches. You can be more effective to the people who need you by specializing in a particular niche. Plus - how many people can afford a one on one with Tony Robbins!?! There’s a place for everyone at every stage.

@ Arwen: That’s a great example! We all have our own experiences and that is what makes us unique. We just have to remind ourselves that we have to go out there and have experiences (failures and accomplishments) in order to acquire that unique perspective!

@ Micheal: I hear ya. This post was born from my experiences over the last few weeks while trying to figure out a way to make my $20,000 in passive income while having an amazing life. I did a lot of “comparison” to other people and it felt empty. Then I decided “screw it” I’m better off looking within myself for the answers.

@ Monika: Agree, I doesn’t hurt at all to look at your competitors to see what you can do better (when you’re strong enough within to take a look and not get beat down with overwhelm). And when looking at them ask why they are doing what they are doing… is it really working for them? Why does it work? Do people need xyz? If so why? and how can you create a solution that’s even better. BTW - loved the letter to your dad!!

@ Akemi: lol I love that you’re helping dreaming entrepreneurs take the leap. That’s awesome…

By: Akemi - Yes to Me

Akemi - Yes to Me — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:21:19 +0000

Great post. I should be glad you are not a coach — you will be a tough competitor for me.
Keep up the good work, but don’t work too hard.