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Health & Fitness

Why Jealousy Can Sometimes Be a Good Thing

Most people would say that jealousy is a bad thing, but I like to see it as a personal indicator of what we want most for ourselves--things that we might not have realized that we craved.

This week, I’d like to talk to you about jealousy…otherwise known as the green-eyed monster.

So most people would say that jealousy is a bad thing—that we should be happy & satisfied with the things we have. And on one hand, I agree.

But on the other hand, I also think that there are times when jealousy can be a good thing.  When we find ourselves feeling jealous of something that someone else has—whether It’s a material thing, an experience or a specific personal attribute—we should pay close attention. I view jealousy as a personal indicator of what we desire most for ourselves—things that we might not otherwise have realized that we craved.

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So here’s the challenge I’ll put out to you this week: I’d like you to think about one person you’re jealous of—it could be someone in your life or someone out there in the public. Then think closely about what it is that they have that you wish you had. Is it career success, financial stability, or the fact that they seem to have a great relationship? Maybe it’s that they’re physically fit or you find them particularly well-spoken or poised? Or maybe they’re adventurous or courageous in a way that you wish you were?

Then, once you’ve figured out what specifically triggers that feeling of jealousy in you, use it as a motivator for you to take action toward having that thing, experience or attribute for yourself.

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