Resenting someone's success? Introspect!

Disclaimer: This is an opinion that I'm entitled to. You may agree or disagree, suiting your own perspective.

I've consumed a lot of content, before I decided to write this article. There were plethora of posts targeting people who have been posting their success stories. I agree - there are a lot of success posts on LinkedIn! Whether it is about someone getting selected into Google (or the likes), or someone getting their dream college (MBA selections, for example; plethora of posts), there have been a LOT of success posts that I've scrolled about.

While scrolling, I also came across posts that left-right-and-center targeted people who have been posting these success stories. Of course, trolling is the new norm on the social media or otherwise. Some people have issues with them sharing their swag kit; and some have issues with their long paragraphs. I'm sure you must have come across posts as well. (And, hey just FYI, this isn't something new in trending. This has been happening for a while now)

Story time.

In 2019-2020, when all my friends/acquaintances were getting placed in companies; and I was clueless. I was like a lost nomad in a new city, trying to make sense out of everything going near me. Logging into LinkedIn was nothing short of a demotivation ride. I used to 'resent' every post I read - especially if they were success stories. This feeling got stronger with time, and it almost became toxic for me.

I was like - "No, Simran. This isn't you. This thought process isn't normal." And, I dived into the introspection zone. I left all social media; and started introspecting my entire train of thoughts that had led me to be so negative about strangers who had done nothing wrong to me. My conclusion was - that I was insecure. My insecurities led me to hate people who were succeeding; because I was not.

I do understand that these success stories can take a toll on everyone (at least it did for me!), but the onus is on you. It is completely on you to choose whether you want someone's success story to be a source of inspiration or you want it to haunt you; and create the emotion of resentment.

A few points before I end this -

1) Someone else's success story should carve a path for you; not hinder you. Read them; understand their story; replicate their mantra in your life. (I've been doing this - replicating their advices; changing them according to how it suits me)

2) Never let your heart be filled with negativity for anyone who's got something better than you (in your perception!). Because, for one, you may not know what that person doesn't have. For two, being a good human being is of paramount importance.

3) Success is success - whether it comes today or tomorrow or years after. It will come when it has to; all you have to do is - be focused and persevere.

4) No matter what, don't let the emotion of resentment grow inside you. Resentment will never have a positive connotation; so always try to inculcate a positive outlook even when you are having negative thoughts.

Thank you for reading. All I hope is that we don't forget being good human beings in pursuit of being good software engineers, designers, data scientists, teachers, and endless number of professions. :)