Why You Shouldn't Want To Be Like Anyone Else

Why You Shouldn’t Want To Be Like Anyone Else

So, we've all heard it: "I want to be like you," or "I wish I could be you when I grow up." Sure, it sounds flattering, and the person on the receiving end might feel good about it, but let’s be real—it’s a tough pill to swallow.

When someone consistently does something remarkable, it’s natural for others to admire them. Their actions inspire awe, respect, and maybe even a bit of envy. Motivational speakers love to hype this up, turning these individuals into legends. But, here’s my take: this admiration is a bit like wishing for someone to pray that you face challenges. Sounds crazy, right?

Challenges are what shape heroes. But let's not kid ourselves—overcoming challenges isn’t fun. The satisfaction only comes after you’ve conquered them. So when you say you want to be like someone else, what you’re really saying is that you want to live through their struggles.

Here’s the kicker: no one can hand you courage, wisdom, or understanding. These are things only life—and maybe a bit of divine intervention—can give you. So, wishing to be like someone else? Pointless. The truth is, what made them who they are comes from a place you can’t just copy. You’ve got to go to the source: God, or whatever you believe in.

But even then, everything comes with a catch. Take David, for example. He was anointed, but that meant he got restless and craved bigger challenges—battles with lions and bears just didn’t cut it anymore. Or Samson, who had superhuman strength but couldn’t get a haircut, no matter how trendy the barber in town was. The point? The challenges that come with greatness often come with limitations you might not want.

Instead of wanting to be like someone else, appreciate their journey, but focus on your own. Embrace your uniqueness, and if you’re going to ask for anything, ask for guidance on your own path.

Every success story is beautiful in its own way. The ants’ success is moving crumbs back to the colony; for a lion, it’s fending off hyenas; and for humans, it might be landing that first big paycheck. Each achievement is relative to its own scale.

The best thing you can do is be yourself. Because if you try to be someone else, you’ll miss out on the best parts of being you. It’s no wonder people would still choose their own problems if everyone’s issues were laid out on a table.

So, love yourself for who you are. And if that’s hard, start by loving the creator who made you, because self-love comes easier when you know you’re loved by something greater.