1. Remember your big accomplishments.
You’re special, too! Just because your coworker gets the promotion you wanted doesn’t mean you haven’t done great work. List out your accomplishments and think about how you got them and what you’ve done since then. You’ll quickly find that you’re just as worthy as the person you’re envying!
2. Ask yourself if you truly want what others have.
Your friend just got a 52″ TV, and you’re jealous. But do you really want one? He has a huge house, and you have a studio apartment. Plus, you’d rather spend that money on a trip. This goes for anything from physical goods to relationships to career power. Think of the pros and cons of any situation in which you find yourself jealous. Sometimes you’ll realize that not only do you not need what you’re coveting, but you don’t really even want it! That will free your mind and ease the jealous feeling.
3. Appreciate your own good fortune.
Think of where you are in your life and how you got there. Did you just buy your first car? Are you able to save one paycheck each month? Are you surrounded by loving family and amazing friends? You have a lot of good things in your life, and you have a lot of good fortune coming your way. Stop letting jealousy eat you alive and realize that you can better spend that energy on furthering your own success and happiness.
4. Appreciate that others can do what you can’t.
How boring would life be if everyone was the same? What if the entire population of your city was applying for your job, and they all had the same qualifications? And participated in the same hobbies on weekends, and went to the same restaurant for dinner? Appreciate that everyone is different. Some people are better in powerful management positions, while maybe you’re better working with people. A friend might be an excellent artist—a quality you’re envious of, but don’t forget that you’re a great musician! Acknowledge that people need to be different, need to be better at various things, and need to do things you can’t just so the world won’t be boring.
5. Give.
If you find that you’re extremely jealous of one person in particular, get to know them better. Try to strike up a friendship. Give them a gift, or be extra kind to them every day. The better you know them, the more you’ll learn about them. This means you might find that they’re in the same boat as you—jealous of someone else, not content with all the wonderful things they have. You might find that they have a lot of problems and need a friend. You might find that they’re someone who can support you as you try to reach their level. Regardless of what comes about with this person, giving to them and being kind will help shape your negative jealousy into another, more positive emotion.
6. Love yourself.
Regardless of anything you might feel about anyone else, remember to love yourself. Jealousy is such a negative emotion that it can eat you alive. You’ll start to feel bad all the time and think you’re worthless compared to anyone else. Remind yourself daily—hourly, if you have to!—that this isn’t true. You’re a great person who has accomplished a lot and still has a lot to prove—get to it!
7. Push yourself harder.
You’ve tried to appreciate all that others have to give, and it’s just not working. That’s fine! Harness that energy you’re wasting on feeling jealous of others and apply it to your own life. Use it to push yourself harder. You know your coworker wants the same promotion as you, so step up your work projects and show that you’re truly the best person for the job. Your friend just booked an art gallery show, so push yourself to practice your instrument harder. Jealousy can easily be funneled into inspiration, so if it’s a feeling you can’t get rid of, at least make it useful!
