How to Prevent Jealousy and Move Forward!

Jealousy! the big ugly "green monster" that comes out when you least expect it. At some point in our lives we have all caught the jealousy bug. Whether it is in a relationship, friendship, or acquaintance jealousy can affect anyone. Lets first establish what jealousy means. Jealousy means that you do not value what you have accomplished in your life and put someone else's accomplishments before your own. This is a mistake in any situation because it means that you are exerting your energy in every other place but in the development of making yourself a better person. As young professionals we all have that moment where we wish we were smarter, looked better, or had qualities we see in other people. Sometimes this need can even be hidden which is why we strive to be better than what we have already accomplished and become perfectionists. But how do we deal with this feeling and move forward with our lives? These are five things that you can do whenever you have been bitten by the jealousy bug!
The goal here is to transform your negative energy into positive energy by focusing on yourself. 

Materials: Paper and Pencil, Comfortable Place to Sit

Step 1. Write down the quality you see in someone else that you wish you had. This step will help you to visibly see what you are comparing yourself to. 

Step 2. Write down three qualities and accomplishments that are similar to the source of jealousy.

Ex: I want to be as popular as "X."
Quality: I have plenty of close friends on which I can depend!

Step 3. Now take a step back and applaud yourself for your accomplishments and unique qualities.

Step 4. Meditate on what you have done for yourself and accept the amazing person that you already are. 

Step 5. Write down three things you will do to strengthen the qualities you focused on in Step 2.  You can either make this a friendly challenge or focus inward and work to be a better you!

Remember practice makes perfect. Work on these five steps and I guarantee you will be too focused on yourself to feel jealous of other's accomplishments.