As a recent BYU graduate, I’ve seen many young Utahns caught in a cycle of comparison. Whether it’s summer sales jobs promising six-figure paychecks in your early twenties or fierce competition for the “best” graduate schools and job offers, there’s constant pressure to keep up. This isn’t just about school, though; it shows up everywhere. From envying new homes to feeling discouraged by retirement plans that don’t measure up, many Utahns end up more disappointed than hopeful as they chase an ideal version of themselves.
Ambition can motivate, but perfectionism drags us down. In sports, athletes don’t win by obsessing over their rivals; they win by focusing on their own progress, resilience and self encouragement. That idea works off the field too.
Imagine how different things could be if more Utahns approached life with optimism instead of comparison. Instead of asking, “Am I keeping up with everyone else?” we could ask, “Am I growing in ways that matter to me?”
If we made optimism a regular practice, Utah could be known not only for achievements, but also for resilience and true joy.
Shawn Anderson
Spanish Fork