Since the advent of television, the internet, and so on we have an enormous pool of other people to whom we can compare ourselves. Even if we are relatively well off, there are others who are richer. Upward comparisons tend to make us jealous, hostile, and stressed and lower our self-esteem.
A downward comparison, in contrast, involves us noting how fortunate we are compared to those who have little. Such comparisons boost mood and self-esteem and lower anxiety. Simply saying to ourselves every morning and evening “I have a lot of things to be grateful for”. And thinking about them brings us closer to our reality and increases our happiness. Grateful people are healthier, happier, and more optimistic than people who are not.
Because more choices bring more opportunities for comparison, the recipe for happiness is simple and twofold:
- Make your decisions irreversible; and
- Constantly appreciate the life you do.