How Comparison Almost Stole My Joy - and What I Learned from It
Faisal Ensaun
I help Multifamily real estate investors go from employee to CEO and create a life of freedom, with meaningful contribution without torching their health, happiness or wrecking their relationships through the FP method.
It’s been said that “comparison is the thief of joy,” and I’ve found this to be true in both my personal and professional life. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals—many of whom seem to have it all: successful careers, beautiful families, and financial security. Yet, behind closed doors, I’ve also seen the struggles, the pain, and the deep-seated dissatisfaction that often lurks beneath the surface.
Today, I want to share some personal insights and stories about how comparison has impacted my life and the lives of those I work with, and how I’ve learned to break free from its grip. My hope is that you’ll find a bit of your own story in mine and be inspired to reclaim your joy and live a life that’s truly yours.
The Unseen Side of Success:
Let me start by telling you about something that profoundly shaped my perspective. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with hundreds of people—most of whom are highly successful by society’s standards. They have thriving businesses, beautiful homes, and they seem to have life all figured out. But what I’ve learned from being deeply involved in their lives is that success, as we often define it, can be a double-edged sword.
I remember one client in particular—a person who had reached the pinnacle of business success. To the outside world, he was a powerhouse, someone to admire and emulate. But in our one-on-one sessions, a very different story was shared. He was struggling with a failing marriage, his children were distant, and he was battling chronic health issues that no amount of money could fix. He told me, “Faisal, I would give every dollar I have just to have my family back, just to be healthy again.” That hit me hard. It was a stark reminder that what we see on the surface is only part of the story.
My Own Battle with Comparison:
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t struggled with comparison myself. Even as a high-performance coach, I’m not immune to it. There have been times when I’ve looked at other coaches and thought, “Why am I not where they are? Why is their business growing faster than mine?” It’s easy to get caught up in that mindset, especially in a world where everyone is putting their best foot forward, showcasing their successes on social media, and making it seem like they have no problems at all.
But here’s what I’ve learned: whenever I start to compare, I remind myself of the stories I’ve heard, the struggles I’ve witnessed, and the fact that everyone, no matter how successful they appear, has their own battles. I’ve realized that I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s—not because my life is perfect, but because it’s mine. I’ve designed it in a way that aligns with who I am, and that’s something I wouldn’t give up for anything.
The Trap of Following Someone Else’s Path:
Comparison doesn’t just steal your joy—it can also lead you down a path that isn’t yours. I’ve seen this happen with so many people. They start by following a traditional route: get a good job, work hard, buy a house, and build a family. But somewhere along the way, they lose sight of what truly matters to them. They pursue goals that society has set for them, not goals that resonate with their own values and desires.
I’ve worked with clients who, after decades of chasing these externally imposed goals, have found themselves feeling empty and unfulfilled. They look around and realize that the life they’ve built doesn’t make them happy. They’ve spent years working towards something that, in the end, doesn’t mean much to them. That’s a painful realization, and it’s one that I’ve made it my mission to help others avoid.
Designing a Life That’s Truly Yours:
So, how do you break free from comparison and start living a life that’s truly yours? It begins with getting clear on your vision. Not someone else’s vision for your life, but your own. This isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about digging deep into what you truly want, what aligns with your values, and what brings you joy.
In my coaching practice, I work with clients to help them uncover their own path. We explore not just what they want to achieve, but who they want to become, how they want to contribute to the world, and why it matters to them. It’s about creating a vision that feels right in every cell of your being—a vision that, when you think about it, fills you with a sense of purpose and excitement.
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A Personal Invitation:
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in the comparison trap, if you’ve ever questioned whether the life you’re living is really yours, I want to invite you to join me for a free workshop I’m hosting on August 22nd. This is a chance to dive deep into what’s holding you back and to start creating a life that feels authentically yours.
This workshop isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about helping you connect with what truly matters to you, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, it’s never too late to design a life that’s aligned with your true self.
Listen...life is short, and the years pass by quickly. Don’t let comparison steal your joy or lead you down a path that isn’t yours. Take the time to figure out what truly matters to you, and start living in a way that reflects that. You deserve a life that’s uniquely yours—one that brings you fulfillment, peace, and true happiness.
I look forward to seeing you at the workshop. Until then, take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you living in alignment with your true self? If not, what’s one step you can take today to start moving in that direction?
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Ready to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life? Join me on August 22nd for a free workshop where we’ll explore how to align your goals with your true vision. Reserve your spot now!
Join me on Thursday, August 22nd, at 9 a.m. Eastern for a FREE workshop.
It’s time to break free from the comparison trap.
Create a life that feels right for YOU, not what society expects.
Let’s take this journey together. See you there!