How to combat the twin evils of envy and greed and accept being "good enough" Although healthy rivalry is normal, it may become a deadly obsession if it is allowed to get out of control. The world is seen as a battlefield where only the greatest and worst exist by those who are obsessed with being the best, who are frequently motivated by unquenchable greed and envy.
Two of the seven fatal sins, envy and greed, frequently combine to cause disastrous outcomes. Greed, the incessant drive to outdo and amass at any costs, is often associated with entitlement. It is a bottomless pit as well. Although their most recent achievement may provide a momentary sense of gratification, greedy people quickly revert to feelings of emptiness and discontent. Because of this unrelenting and vicious cycle, they will never be able to get the fulfillment and happiness they desire.
In contrast, envy is characterized by dissatisfaction and animosity toward others who have what the envious person wants. These people compare oneself to others all the time and feel bad about their wealth, success, beauty, or luck. They consider it a narcissistic damage when their successes or prestige are threatened. others who lack what others have experience greater levels of self-pity and low self-esteem, which frequently result in actions meant to undermine others they are envious of.
In many aspects, greed and jealousy are identical siblings. Both are complicated human feelings that have detrimental psychological impacts. The want to acquire, be it money, belongings, prestige, or recognition, is also strongly linked to them. Social comparisons are the source of both as well.
Greed is the result of comparing oneself to those who have more and wanting to equal or exceed them. When people compare oneself to those who have what they want, envy develops, which leads to emotions of inadequacy and anger. According to psychology, emotional trauma and unfulfilled needs are frequently the root causes of avarice. People who are greedy frequently use things or belongings to fill the void in their lives. Similarly, envy is frequently rooted in this emptiness and feeling of inadequacy.
Greedy or envious people frequently lack self-sustaining behaviors and depend on outside validation and praise to keep their mindset in balance. Yet, since they are so consumed by their ambitions, they are always unhappy. The burning need for wealth, status, and power can, when used responsibly, inspire positive aspirations and help people achieve their objectives. When these desires take over, they result in cruel and destructive deeds. The search of a meaningful existence may be hampered by entitlement and self-centeredness, which are promoted in today's worldly and bourgeois society.
THERE ARE SIX WAYS TO OVERCOME ENVY AND GREED:
In order to address these problematic patterns of behavior, you must shift your attention from excessive pride in oneself and the unrelenting need for material belongings. It entails altering your priorities and way of thinking in order to have a more balanced and healthful life.
1 . RECOGNIZE WHERE YOUR EMOTIONS COME FROM:
Recognizing that these feelings are there within you is the first step. Only then will you be able to reflect and investigate the things that are making you feel envious and greedy. Think about your guiding principles, your ideas that influence your viewpoints, and your basic identity. Understanding what drives these bad feelings can be achieved by probing your desires and motivations, both hidden and visible.
2 . PAY ATTENTION TO THE ESSENTIAL AND NECESSARY THINGS :
Determine what gives you a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. You can avoid pointless desires and concentrate on what really important if you have a clear goal. Above all, understand that the fulfillment you seek will not be found in acquiring material belongings or evaluating yourself against others. Feelings of inadequacy will only get worse because of this yearning for more.
3 . FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT :
Compassion, empathy, and a sense associated with social duty are all entwined, just as greed and jealousy are. Consider what is causing any negative emotions to surface. You can make more thoughtful selections if you are aware of your motivations. Turn your attention away from envy and avarice and toward your own development. Recognize your strengths and achievements rather than dwelling on what is lacking or incorrect.
4 . BE HUMBLE AND THANKFUL:
Attempt to be grateful for the things you currently have. You may combat the need for more by learning to be thankful for all of life's blessings, no matter how tiny. Moving your attention from egotistical ambitions and excessive competitiveness to personal development and self-improvement can be facilitated by cultivating genuine empathy for others by making an effort to comprehend their viewpoints and experiences. The incessant yearning for more and sentiments of grandeur can also be subdued by humility. Being compassionate and giving to people who are less privileged can make you feel better.
5 . GET SATISFACTION FROM ASSISTING OTHERS :
Taking part in more community-focused activities, like volunteering or lending a hand to people in need, helps you focus on things other than your own jealously and greed. Being among less needy and avaricious people can help to reinforce certain types of behavior. Additionally, you may find fulfillment in other people's accomplishments. One can get a sense of simulated joy and fulfillment by lending others your resources and offering support.
6 . SEEK ASSISTANCE :
Seek assistance from coaches, therapists, or support groups if dealing with jealousy and greed becomes too much to handle. Talking about negative emotions with people you can trust will help you gain perspective and learn to control your wants.
Dealing with sentiments of envy and greed is a continuous struggle. It takes time to break old behaviors and cognitive patterns. You can achieve the fulfillment you essentially desire when you start to accept the sensation that you are "good enough." True fulfillment originates from within, and more isn't necessarily better.