What Is Something You Live By?

What is something you live by? This is something I have been asked in the past and I never had an answer to give nor did I have an complete understanding of the question being asked. So, I resorted to google and looked up quotes. After many, many searches and exploring of the internet, I found a quote that not only sparked my interest, but was something I completely believe in. When it comes to whatever I'm doing, I'm very self-motivated. Meaning, I know exactly what I want, very passionate and energetic on what it is I truly believe in, always trying to make continuous progress in whatever it is I am pursuing, while making mistakes along the way - it's all apart of the process. While these attributes are great, it's how you use them for what you are working towards. Each and everyone of us are unique in our own ways. I mean, if we were all the same and good at the exact same things, what a boring world that'd be. It all comes from the quote that I believe so much in by Judy Garland:

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"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland

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How often do you compare yourself to others? If you are like most people, it happens far too often. We can’t help but notice how well they are all doing. These thoughts frequently flood our minds: “She has so many followers.” “Why does his work get so much attention?” “Why can’t I be like them?”

I am here to tell you this does you no good. Comparing yourself to others will not help you get further in life or with your art. It only creates envy and jealousy.

You can't replicate your way to success.

When you constantly compare yourself to others, you will try imitating your way to success. “It worked for them, why wouldn’t it work for me?” I hate to break it to you but you can’t replicate your way to success, nor should you try to.

Stop trying to be another version of somebody else.

Stop trying to be another version of someone else. Become a better version of yourself instead.

How do you do this?

By choosing yourself. What does it mean to choose yourself? It means following what James Altucher calls the “daily practice”, which is being physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually healthy. When most people think of being healthy, they only think of physical health. But physical health is not enough. Every part of you must work in conjunction to be truly healthy. When you follow the daily practice, your best self will shine through. Things will start coming together in mysterious ways. Your body will feel great, you will have strong relationships, your mind will work better than ever, and you will be at peace with your life.

When you choose yourself and stop trying to be like everyone else, you become a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else.

- B