People always complain about how unfair it is for them to compete in an unfair playing field. Well, true enough, there is no real fair competition in this world. The world that we live in is rigged and favors a specific demographic no matter what. As a result, many people grow up feeling bitter and jealous of others. While these feelings are not all unjustified, most of these negative feelings are not necessarily helpful in the long run. In today’s post, I will challenge the cliche, “The Grass is always greener on the other side” and explain why we are actually fortunate to be on our side of the grass.

This cliche works both ways

I am sure that we have all had this conversation with someone or have this thought crossed our minds before so I will just expound on it further. Basically, there will always be someone envious of where you are at in life. This is regardless of you being at the peak or trough of your career and pursuits. This is because there will always be someone less accomplished and less driven than you in life. That said, we are creatures who do not compare with the lower ends of the spectrum hence we only see one side of the picture. This ignorance led us to sometimes feel that we are disadvantaged and discounted in life. However, the truth is that you are certainly in a position envied by many others.

How does this realization help then? It helps to readjust our perspectives in life when we are overly focused on success that we disregard other’s sufferings and hardship. In other words, your semi-deliberate ignorance of others less fortunate than you basically perpetuates the same unfairness and inequality that you wish did not exist.

We don’t know the details on the other side

We can summarise this segment with a simple phrase, “The Devil is in the details.” The word devil is actually used quite aptly in this situation. This is because we always look at the other side of the fence with a semi far-sighted view. To be honest, our vision is also largely biased because we will tend to ignore things we don’t want to see and focus on the things we are familiar with. For example, when we look up at the clouds, we usually recognize shapes and figures, which we have come across before. This means that we have the propensity to “see what we want to see” rather than what is presented to us. As such, there is a high chance that we are missing out on the details that can potentially cause us to think otherwise about “the other side.”

An empty grassland has more potential than you think

When looking across the fence, it is easy to tell if those people on the other side have more or less than you. This is especially depressing you have little to nothing on your side of the fence. However, what you have in abundance is space for creativity and enterprise. Though you will never be able to execute your plans with the same ease and support from the resources owned by the other side, you will have way more opportunities to test and perfect your formula for success. Not trying to be overly optimistic and ignoring all potential downsides, but essentially, scarcity drives many people to come up with amazing ideas in life. Hence I challenge all of us out there who feel you have much less than your peers to keep the right spirit and drive in your heart. Eventually, you will make it and make your side of the fence someplace to be proud of as well, that is if you don’t give up before you succeed.

Closing Thoughts

There is only so much optimism we can harness, especially when we are born or participating in a rigged and unfair system. However, with the many successful rag to riches stories out there, will we all take comfort in the knowledge that our success will be more meaningful and impactful to others from similar backgrounds. Now is the chance for us to lead the next wave to think bigger and pursue their dreams. Even with little resources, we will prove our worth through our resourcefulness and grit that we can make a difference for ourselves and others around us.

With all of these optimism and motivation in your heart, aren’t you glad you are on this side of the grass?