I’m a pretty level-headed guy most of the time. I’m not perfect, but I’m a big proponent of a rising tide lifting all boats and all that, and I tend to be pretty steady in my lack of professional jealousy.
There are exceptions, of course. Nobody is perfect. And I tend to get a little eye-twitchy when I think of some people who definitely, absolutely do not deserve the fame or success they have because they’re horrible people, but even in those cases I can usually shrug and just say que sera sera.
Recently I had a bout of jealousy. It didn’t last long, and I don’t think I let it infect my behaviours or words at the time. But it was a weird sensation, to watch somebody so much younger and more talented than I am and to feel in the pit of my stomach that I would never reach the heights that this youth would.
Now? A day later, I can smile and shrug and wish them all the best with an open heart. I do really hope they achieve those heights I will only dream of. Them being wildly successful won’t have an impact on my success, on my life, in any measurable way. But there was that one moment… ah well. Only human at the end of the day, I suppose. And the secret isn’t trying to never feel something, be it anger, jealousy, or sadness. It’s to accept that these are temporary, and move on.
Hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy!