We’ve all been told not to compare ourselves to others. But in today’s world of software engineering, a well-placed comparison can be your secret weapon for growth. The key is to compare up, not down. This newsletter explores the power of strategic comparison
You reflected perfectly the mindset to have about learning, not competing.
Compare is a word usually with a negative meaning (it catches attention for the title tho 😉). I like to use "inspire".
I remember when I was a new grad everyone seemed to know a lot. But I was quick to identify who to take as role model, and who just knew more things becuase had been working more time, but I wouldn't want to be like.
Even after a lot of time, those role models stop being so as you progress. Or they are only a role model in a specific area.
You may have heard the idea of "we are the average of the 5 people we spend most time with". I like the twist of having a group of role models, each inspires you in some way. Those people may never know about you, or they may be even historical figures from the past. But we can narrow the thing that inspires us from them and use it to our advantage.
For me, many role models are from books. When I try to get better at an area, I just read the best books about it, and compare myself to the content inside. This gives me some slack, as if someone wrote a book, they are probably quite good at what they do :)
For example, for online writing the best book I’ve read is “the art of business and online writing” by Nicholas Cole.
I am so honoured that you have been inspired by my article, Akos!
Your article is inspiring to me too!
It is an interesting and effective perspective to turn the bad 'comparison' into a good 'role modeling'.
Being realistic of choosing your role models, and patient, keeping in mind that your journey might be 100% different for multiple reasons, is key to sustainable growth.
You reflected perfectly the mindset to have about learning, not competing.
Compare is a word usually with a negative meaning (it catches attention for the title tho 😉). I like to use "inspire".
I remember when I was a new grad everyone seemed to know a lot. But I was quick to identify who to take as role model, and who just knew more things becuase had been working more time, but I wouldn't want to be like.
Even after a lot of time, those role models stop being so as you progress. Or they are only a role model in a specific area.
You may have heard the idea of "we are the average of the 5 people we spend most time with". I like the twist of having a group of role models, each inspires you in some way. Those people may never know about you, or they may be even historical figures from the past. But we can narrow the thing that inspires us from them and use it to our advantage.
Glad I could be a (small) part of your journey ❤️
For me, many role models are from books. When I try to get better at an area, I just read the best books about it, and compare myself to the content inside. This gives me some slack, as if someone wrote a book, they are probably quite good at what they do :)
For example, for online writing the best book I’ve read is “the art of business and online writing” by Nicholas Cole.
I am so honoured that you have been inspired by my article, Akos!
Your article is inspiring to me too!
It is an interesting and effective perspective to turn the bad 'comparison' into a good 'role modeling'.
Being realistic of choosing your role models, and patient, keeping in mind that your journey might be 100% different for multiple reasons, is key to sustainable growth.