Mr. Dr. Jahan Al -Omran
We often find ourselves stuck in the circle of comparison with others; This is richer, that is more beautiful, and another smarter. Although we have our own different capabilities from others, but we ignore them because we want to be a copy of others who succeeded in their own way, and their own circumstances help them, their talents they possess, or the luck that their ally was, and we remain inside our delusions, we are afraid to prove ourselves, and take new opportunities for fear of failure. We forget that diversity is the essence of life, the secret of its beauty and prosperity. We, as human beings, differ in color, shape, social background, cultural, religion and belief, and this diversity represents a wealth that cannot be measured by numbers.
Psychological studies confirm that the continuous comparison with others reduces the feeling of self -satisfaction, and increases anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Social and Seian Psychology in 2018 showed that people who spend more time comparison themselves with others through social media decrease their happiness, and their appreciation for themselves is less.
On the other hand, when we look at the difference as a source of learning and growth, it becomes invaluable. Our difference gives us multiple vision angles. Each of us has its boat, which is sailing towards a special goal, and its window through which the world sees, and its experiences that polished it and made its convictions. What makes you happy may not be happy with you, and what is appropriate for you may not be appropriate for another. The diversity of colors is what gives the painting its beauty; Likewise.
Social studies indicate that the most cultural and ethnic societies are more creative. A study of the McKinsey Foundation (2020) has found that companies that are characterized by a cultural and ethnic diversity in the work teams increase their chances to achieve 36% higher profits compared to the lowest companies.
And if we thought a little: What if all people agree on one thought? You will be the spark of creativity and lack of development. If the roles are similar, the balance would be collapsed. If we were all doctors, engineers, or teachers, then who builds and who is cultivated? If we were all male or female, humanity would be extinct. Were it not for us needing each other, there would be no cooperation or integration. Our differences are an opportunity to grow, learn flexibility and accept the different other, and our diversity is the one that makes a wonderful human painting; Each of us adds a unique color to the painting, and with a color meeting in harmony, we get a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of the unit in light of this diversity.
Let us make our differences a source of strength, and instead of comparing ourselves with others, to appreciate what distinguishes each one in us and celebrate it, and to try to reach the best version of us, not a distorted version of others, until the world becomes a more beautiful and better place to accept all people with their various differences.
* University professor in psychology
