Be Yourself. There's No One Better.

OK, listen up. It's time for a Captain Dapper pep talk. Imagine this talk being delivered reality TV style. Picture Tim Gunn walking into the room and consoling a distraught designer in his soothing, almost fatherly way. The cameras pull in tight as the designer listens, cries and then, with the announcement of "Make it work!" perks up and decides that they can persevere. That's what I'm going for here -- a little pick me up post for those times when you're filled with doubt and frustration.

When Mark Zuckerburg, Jack Dorsey and all those other social media folks were launching their sites, I wonder if they considered the far reaching ramifications. It's never been easier to feel like you're getting a peek into the personal lives of others. Ten years ago you might have had an intimate circle of friends who would share little musings via email or text or maybe even on a blog, but that's nothing compared to social media. Today, flipping through Facebook, Twitter or Instragram, you witness little blips of intimate details in the lives of friends and strangers alike.

Seeing these little vignettes, it's easy to start comparing yourself to others. I mean, who hasn't thought:

"Gah! Why does she always look so good? I want to be pretty!"

"Hey, I'm the same as so-and-so. I wonder why he's more successful than me?"

"Oy, what a mess! I can't believe he broke up with another boyfriend."

"They look like the happiest little family. I want to be happy."

Well all do it, right? We look at the successes and failures of those around us and we compare them to our own lives. Sometimes we use those comparisons to inspire us, or comfort us, but sometimes they do nothing but hold us back.

OK, now pull the camera in close and let me dispense my sage advice in a warm but serious tone.

Be yourself. There's no one better.

Easier said that done? Totally. But it's important to try it anyway. You do you, in the best way you know how, and don't worry about all the others. Most likely they're just trying to be the best them. Stop comparing and start being. Do the things that make you happy. Appreciate what you have and be comfortable in your own skin. Explore your passions and enjoy the people around you. Recognize that you may not be where they are, but they may not be where they want to be either. And who cares anyway? Take your attributes and your failings in equal measure. Embrace yourself. Be you.

Image: Jason Loper