The only  you should compare yourself to is your past self

Famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud's saying "The only  you should compare yourself to is your past self" encourages people to focus on self-improvement and personal growth by comparing their present self to their past self for several reasons.

Self-Reflection

By comparing yourself to your past, you can assess your progress and personal development. It allows you to see how far you've come and what changes or improvements you've made in various aspects of your life.

Realistic Benchmark

Comparing yourself to others can lead to envy, anxiety, and unrealistic standards. When you compare yourself to your past self, you're setting a benchmark that is both attainable and relevant to your own life journey.

Self-Motivation

Seeing your own progress over time can be motivating. It encourages you to continue working on your goals and striving for self-improvement.

Personal Growth

It emphasizes that personal growth is an individual journey, and the goal should be to become a better version of yourself, not necessarily to outdo others.

Focus on Control

You have control over your actions and decisions, but you can't control what others do. By comparing yourself to your past self, you're focusing on what you can change and improve.

Reducing Unhealthy Competition

Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to unhealthy competition and negative emotions. Comparing yourself to your past self promotes a healthier form of self-assessment and self-competition.

In essence, this saying encourages a positive and constructive approach to self-improvement, where you set your own standards and continually strive to be a better, more fulfilled person compared to your previous self.