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Keeping perspective: Why all that glitters is not gold

I have this picture hanging behind my desk at Joyous HQ. It's usually the first thing I see when I get in and the last thing I look at when I leave. I get a lot of remarks about it, mostly along the lines of "I don't get it". For many, I believe it conjur
Apr 18, 2017 | Walker Jordan

I have this picture hanging behind my desk at Joyous HQ. It's usually the first thing I see when I get in and the last thing I look at when I leave. I get a lot of remarks about it, mostly along the lines of "I don't get it". For many, I believe it conjures up an immediate negative connotation, but I have a different perspective.

Let me explain.

I've been an "entrepreneur" for as long as I can remember.

(side note: I use quotes because I don't typically like describing myself using that word. I find it's a trendy title these days and I feel a little douchey using it, but for the purpose of this piece, let's roll with it)

From catering and event management, to a boutique gym and now Joyous Health, I've been able to build on the moderate success of each past venture and continue to hone my skill set and instincts. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned over the years (and one that I only fully appreciated recently) is that of perspective.

Perspective can be tricky. We use perspective to measure how far we've come, how far we have to go and unfortunately it's often completely subjective.

For myself, being an entrepreneur and fully realizing that it's either sink or swim brings out the best and worst in me. It brings out creativity and confidence and fearlessness while also feeding into a negative feedback loop of insecurity, fear and indecisiveness.

(side note #2: I think this can apply to anyone, in any position, regardless of employment status. At the end of the day, it's about self-development and self-awareness)

One of the biggest triggers for me is that of comparison. There are a lot of successful people and businesses out there, and they make it look easy. They tout multi-figure revenues, have fancy marketing and garner lots of attention. Frankly, it makes me jealous at times.

In the past, I'd be inclined to turn everything upside down, make drastic changes, question what I wasn't doing right, then finally, it hit me!

No matter how easy it looks, or how successful someone may appear to be, chances are, they are going through the same stuff you are - it just has a shiny coat of paint on top 😉 .

All that glitters is not gold.

No matter how good it looks on the surface, I can almost guarantee they're putting in the same hard work and long hours, facing the same challenges and insecurities and probably looking around and thinking the exact same thing as you are.

It's all about perspective.

My first step towards moving past this is awareness. I still get stuck in that negative feedback loop at times. I still want to flip things upside down from time to time. But at least now, I'm aware of it and can quickly re-focus on what's important. Robin Sharma calls it "staying in your lane", akin to having blinders on and not being distracted by others perceived successes.

So there you have it! Next time you find yourself drifting out of your lane, distracted, discouraged or focusing too much on others success, remember - all that glitters is not gold.

Your turn! How do you keep perspective?

  • Do you have a favourite quote/affirmation?
  • Do you have a go-to song?
  • Do you have any rituals that help you stay focused?
23 Comments
Chantal   •   April 18, 2017

This is a great post, Walker! I often struggle with the comparison syndrome. Thanks for the reminder.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 19, 2017
Walker   •   April 19, 2017

Lindsay   •   April 19, 2017

If I'm ever losing touch with what's really important to me and what makes me happy, I just remind myself that I only have this life and I want to look back and be sure I enjoyed every part and didn't waste any time. Maybe it sounds a bit morbid to some but it stops me stressing about things that don't really matter and to keep things in perspective.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 19, 2017

Heather McSavage   •   April 19, 2017

Great article! Definitely can use this advice (all that glitters is not gold) in all areas of life.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 19, 2017
Walker   •   April 19, 2017

Jen   •   April 19, 2017

Great article! And such a good message to remind ourselves!

Reply

Laurie   •   April 19, 2017

Thanks for the blog post, Walker. It was nice to hear your thoughts on that quote and your perspective on growing a business and maintaining perseverance. 😀 Thank you to both you and Joy for your hard work, dedication and creativity to help others find health and wellness. I'm so grateful I found you guys. 😊👍

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 20, 2017

Stephanie   •   April 20, 2017

So well written!!! I truly love posts that are real, honest and have a message you can carry into a positive change within yourself. I will be definitely keeping this as a reminder. I find when the comparison and negative talk becomes a little too loud, I go back to my fav "self empowering" books that I have tabbed. Sometimes just reading something at one time sparked an ah-ha moment is enough to get you back on track. Thanks for sharing this!

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 20, 2017

Amy   •   April 22, 2017

This was an fantastic blog post and something that came at just the right time for me. Comparison is such a killer sometimes and it's hard to remember that these same people we compare ourselves to, are probably having the exact same emotions. Whenever I find myself spinning out of control, I try to re-focus, read (or re-read) my favourite self-development books and make a plan to 'stay in my lane'! Thank you for this post! Keep up the great work.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 24, 2017

Jill   •   April 26, 2017

Great post Walker! I totally agree. Love it

Reply
Walker Jordan   •   April 27, 2017

Karen   •   April 26, 2017

One of my fav's is "watch the road, not the wipers"

Reply
Walker Jordan   •   April 27, 2017

Beatrice   •   April 27, 2017

Life is full of ups and down, challenges of all sorts, and sometimes something really really awful happens. I remind myself ..."It could always be worse" Someone else out there in the world probably, and very likely, has it much worse than I do so I don't get too bent out of shape and just do what I have to do to get out of that situation.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   April 28, 2017

Janet   •   April 29, 2017

Great post. Perspective is so important. I've always felt comparison was a waste of time. Each of us is created a unique person with unique strengths and weaknesses. What one person is good at another person isn't. It makes no sense to compare what I'm not gifted in, with someone who is a natural, and vice versa. If we spend all that emotional energy discovering our gifts and purpose then we have no time for comparison, but can encourage others (and ourselves) as we travel our own roads of discovery and service.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   May 1, 2017

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