I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to surround myself with incredibly talented people. People that I admire, respect and love. People who serve as incredible friends, outstanding mentors and confidants. Some of them are 30 + years my senior, some my age, and some younger. Some are in my space (public relations and social strategy), some are on the periphery, and some may not be working on anything related, but still impress the heck out of me. I’m fortunate to know them.
This past week was Social Media Week here in NYC, which means I got to connect with some of the wonderful folks I already knew, and meet in person some of my heroes. A long time admirer of Laughing Squid, I finally got to meet Scott Beale and his wonderful wife, Lori, who are moving from San Francisco to New York in just a few short weeks. I’ll be lucky to have them here, and look forward to learning from each of them.
I also met and got to hang out with the FourSquare crew, all around my age and are certainly game changers for the space. So lucky to have the connection.
And talk about serendipity, I met Idan of Boxee, only days after Congress hearings were held examining the proposed acquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast. In front of the committee were Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast and Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC. During the hearing the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, Rep. Rick Boucher, asked Zucker “What about Boxee?”
And I’m all like, “Yeah, I know that guy, that’s what’s up.” *Brush my shoulders off*
I had lunch with one of my favorites, Jeff Pulver, yesterday who always offers up the most outstanding and thoughtful advice.
I know a lot of great people doing a lot of BIG things that I’m learning and growing from.
….but, it’s hard not to compare myself to them, especially the ones that are close in age. Unfortunately comparing won’t get me where I want to go. And it’s not fair to them, or to myself, or to our relationship.
I should respect what they’re doing, learn and grow from it, and hope to offer them the same in exchange. It’s hard to do, but in order to propel myself forward, I have to do it. Drop the pity, …because, well, it’s exasperating.
Accept the path I’ve taken, because, frankly, it’s a good one. And I’m doing cool things.
Do you ever face this? Feel like you pale in comparison in some capacity? How do you combat it and keep moving forward?
a very respected company, i’m flattered…
in hebrew there is a saying “dont aspire to be head of the foxes, aspire to be a tail to the lions”.
always find the company of those you can learn from.
Henry Miller’s first book was published in 1934. He was 43 years old. He would go on to publish over 40 novels and essays in his lifetime.
I always look to that fact as inspiration. Miller changed American literature and society – his book helped create the sexual revolution which is responsible for nearly everything we see today. Without him, our society would be extremely different. Yet, it took him to be nearly a half century old before he accomplished anything of merit.
I have many of the same friends and acquaintances as you do and their success at my age or often younger has me feeling the same way. It’s normal. But, don’t forget to maintain the perspective that many people feel the same way about you. Many people look at what you have accomplished and are awe-struck, and strive to be like you. We exist in this spectrum and it’s our jobs to always strive to be better. Like the great 20th century philosopher Aaliyah said, “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” It’s about striving to be better each day. From the sounds of it, your friends inspire you to do just that. And that’s all that matters.
As long as you’re happy with what you’re doing and feel like you’re making full use of the gifts you’ve got, there’s no reason to compare yourself to anyone else. The only metrics that matter are the ones you set for yourself, and even then, take the time to reevaluate what’s important to you every now and then. Priorities change as we go through life.
George that gives great perspective, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment.
I am certainly in awe of you and love what I learn from you. Thank you, again!
For 30 years I have worked in restaurants and hotels… even at the highest level it is a lot of the same shit every day but I thought it was what I was suppose to be doing. I never had the balls to walk away, I never had the courage to do something that felt more right. I had the mindset to only compare people in my industry to me and how could I be them… I never REALLY wanted to be them. I wanted to be great, but not them! It is admirable to appreciate, respect and strive to be like others but you have to be yourself first!
The reason these connections are valuable is because in someway you are valuable to them as well. Do not worry so much about the methods or people of success, set your own goals and do not stop until you achieve them.
Your own personal goals should be your motivation – not the lives of other people.
Keep kickin’ ass JRR !
As one of my good friends always reminds me, “Comparison is the thief of all joy.”
[...] Save Yourself From Metrics [...]
[...] I read Jessica’s post on her experiences during the past week. I know a lot of great people doing a lot of [...]
George, that was an awesome comment man. Thanks for that as I’ve been thinking about the same thing as Jessica a lot lately. It’s true, for all the people who we envy, there are those who envy us. Putting everything into perspective helps.
It’s hard to be so competitive, and then meet people who seem to be doing so much bigger and better things. I guess that it’s never too late though, and as long as you’re working your hardest to do what you enjoy, it’s hard to complain.
David.