Ever sat in bed, staring at the ceiling as the weight of being you presses down like a boulder? Chances are, you have. 'I wish I was someone better' is a sentiment that resonates with people across the globe. Whether in bustling cities or quiet towns, at one point or another, this thought creeps into everyone's mind. Why does it haunt us? The reasons differ — from personal insecurities and societal pressures to the perfectionism perpetuated by social media. We all sometimes feel like we’re not fitting the mold or living up to some perceived standard.
Imagine scrolling through Instagram on a Saturday afternoon. You see friends traveling, getting promoted, or starting businesses. They seem to have it all together. Meanwhile, all you have is a half-eaten plate of fries and a growing list of worries. It’s easy to feel restless because of this constant comparison. It’s a common story for Gen Z, constantly connected but often feeling more isolated than ever.
The idea of wanting to be 'someone better' speaks to deeper anxieties. It’s about crafting a version of yourself that matches or surpasses those around you. Social media is not just a place where we project the best versions of ourselves but also where we witness others' most curated highlights. For many, this comparison game leads to self-doubt and feeling inadequate as they are now.
But this notion isn’t entirely negative. In some ways, longing to be someone better lights a spark. It fosters motivation for improvement. It leads to innovation, creativity, and profound personal growth. When approached healthily, self-improvement becomes a powerful tool. It shouldn’t be about nitpicking every flaw but strongly feeling inspired to work on one's passions, mind, and talents.
Then there's the darker side of the coin. Consistently feeling like you’re not good enough can drag you into a pit of anxiety and depression. Gen Z, in particular, is known for being more anxious than previous generations, partly due to pressures perpetuated online and offline. Mental health conversations have opened up a lot, but the road to normalizing them fully is still long.
While you might wish to be someone better, it’s crucial to find balance. There's a distinction between healthy ambition and self-destructive guilt. When the desire to improve turns obsessive, it can cause burnout and leave you feeling stuck in an endless cycle of dissatisfaction.
The pressure to perform and achieve can become overwhelming, often driven by societal expectations and capitalist demands. We’re told to hustle harder, aim higher, and never settle. But what about finding contentment in our current selves? Social expectations often push us into defined roles, yet our true selves might not fit these boxes.
It’s vital to challenge these narratives. Embrace the clumsy, chaotic parts of you. Embrace self-compassion and acknowledge that being 'someone better' doesn’t mean changing every aspect of who you are. It means becoming someone who’s more in tune with their values and aspirations. It’s about accepting that there’s strength in our imperfections and that growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
For many, therapy and mindfulness practices have become crucial. They offer new perspectives and tools to manage feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. They help create space for self-acceptance and grace during moments of self-doubt. Working with a therapist or engaging in self-care routines can make the journey towards being 'someone better' a little kinder.
Everyone copes differently. Some might look for external validation; others may find comfort in hobbies or diving into new experiences. However it looks for you, reaching out for support when needed is essential. Vulnerability is not weakness but a pathway to genuine human connection.
Even in liberal circles where individuality is celebrated, there is sometimes a subtle stigma about vulnerability. Yet vulnerability leads to stronger communities. It’s important to engage in genuine conversations with friends and family, to be open about struggles, and to reaffirm the support systems we rely on.
We can resist the overpowering narrative that tells us to constantly reinvent ourselves by celebrating diversity in experiences and achievements. By lifting others and standing up for inclusivity, each person’s version of 'better' contributes to a more empathetic and understanding society.
In the end, wishing to be 'someone better' should steer towards building a life filled with meaning, connection, and understanding rather than striving for superficial perfection. Imagine a world where people aren’t pressured to transform into the person next to them but instead are encouraged to explore the potential within. That world begins with acknowledging that you don’t have to be better than anyone else — only a more authentic version of yourself.