From Envy to Excellence: What Comparison Can Teach Us

As the New Year approached, I joined a book club with the goal of expanding (expansion is my word for 2025) my perspective and diving into some much-needed self-reflection. Our first pick? The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins - a read that dropped Dec 24th and turned out to be the perfect kickoff to 2025.

In Chapter 10, Mel reframes comparison not as a thief of joy, but as a tool for transformation. When you stop letting comparison torture you and start letting it teach you, it becomes one of the most powerful drivers of personal and professional growth.

Mel's message resonates deeply with the work we do at Exemplary Performance. When we partner with organizations, our mission is to uncover the bright spots—top performers who’ve cracked the code for success in their roles. These individuals aren’t just exceptional; they hold the formula for excellence. Instead of letting their brilliance intimidate or divide teams, we study what they do differently, reverse-engineer their strategies, and turn their wisdom into actionable, repeatable practices that drive business results.

The result? We scale what works across the organization, empowering every team member to rise to a new standard of performance—without increasing headcount. By transforming envy or comparison into curiosity and learning, we give companies a blueprint to achieve consistent, measurable results.

Mel’s insight is clear: Comparison can be a gift if you allow it to teach you. At Exemplary Performance, we take this lesson to heart by illuminating the “star wisdom” within an organization, sharing it broadly, and ensuring that what makes the best the best becomes a foundation for collective success.

So, the next time you find yourself comparing, shift the narrative. Instead of letting comparison torture you with self-doubt or envy, turn it into a teachable moment and ask yourself, "What are they doing differently? What can I learn from their success?" Let their success inspire your own growth and let us help you make it a teachable moment for your organization.

"Envy comes from people's ignorance of, or lack of belief in, their own gifts." - Jean Vanier