The problem with comparing yourself with someone at the top of their game is they will seem so far ahead that you will have already quit before you even got started.
The problem with comparing yourself with your peers is you could get stuck in a rut and get sucked into what I call ‘herd mentality’. The instant you try to move away from the crowd, they will want you to come back to the status quo.
The problem with comparing yourself with someone less fortunate than you is more obvious. Whilst we need to show empathy, you will start to develop a false sense of security and become complacent.
So look at the man in the mirror and tell him, “Today I’m gonna to be a better man than you.”