Jealousy: How to turn jealousy into productivity

Sometimes, jealousy can get the best of us. I know it’s happened to me before, and I know I’m not the only one. While jealously can be seen as a negative thing, it doesn’t always have to be. 

There are times I see people on Instagram and wish I had their life, their platform, their closet, or their body. And, most sources that speak about this type of jealousy encourage people to disconnect themselves from the source. But, for me, I like to get closer. 

I like to fill my social media feed with those whom I want to become. Not only does it motivate me, but I’m able to learn from them. Monkey see monkey do am I right? Here’s how I turn my jealousy into productivity.  

1. Figure out where your jealousy stems from 

Before you go following a bazillion people you may be jealous of, figure out where your intentions lie. Are you one to be really hard on yourself? Then, I may fray away from these tips altogether. Do you feel motivated by those that, from the outside, seem better than you? Then this post is perfect for you. 

2. Take a minute of gratitude

Regardless of your intentions, really take a moment to highlight your achievements. Achievements could be as small as getting in a five-minute walk in to landing your dream job. But for a few minutes, be thankful for what you have, what you’ve done, and where you’re headed. And, don’t be too hard on yourself ~ you’re a rockstar. 

3. Create goals and strategies to get yourself there

Now, analyze those you’re jealous of. What do they have that you don’t? Do they have your dream job, an outstanding financial portfolio, or house that you’re obsessed with? Be honest with yourself so you can pinpoint goals that could put you in their spot. For instance, I really want a house some day. While this is out of my budget right now, I can set goals to build my career (to earn more) and budget (to save) and reach that long-term goal of mine. To be fair, success doesn’t happen overnight. Just because it may not show via social media, those who seem to “have it all,” probably had to work really hard to earn it. 

4. Play follow the leader 

Adding to the “monkey see monkey do” theme, stay close to those you aspire to be. This could be through close mentorships, friends, or social media personals. (To be honest, pretty much all of mine are via Instagram). Consistently take notes on what they do to be so successful. Do they have to work on the weekends to meet their goals? Are they cutting corners to get better discounts and save more? Once you figure that out, do that exact. Same. Thing. 

5. Act as if you already hit your goals

This is an amazing brain teaser ~ act as if you already achieved your goals. I like to do this in the form of manifest journaling every morning, and sometimes night. I sit down and fill out a full-page worth of thoughts pretending I’ve already reached my gaols. I’m telling you, doing this really keeps you motivated and ready to crush your goals because future you would do the same. 

6. Celebrate your achievements (even the small ones) 

No matter how small your goals wins may be, celebrate them! These “celebrations” could be as small as a five-minute happy dance or a coffee at your favorite coffee shop. But, really, celebrate yourself. This last week I hit 100 Instagram followers. While that not be much to some people, that took me a solid three months to do. So, I celebrated with a happy dance and moved on to my second goal ~ 150 followers. 

If you’re jealous of those around you, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. To flip your negative perception of jealousy, turn it into a productivity hack. Boost your motivation and get through a slump by following those that already have what you want.