Turning Envy Into Fuel: How to Transform Comparison Into Self-Worth
Hi, I’m Greta, and this is my podcast, Thought Experiment Called Life.
I created this space as a little love note to anyone who might stumble across it. It’s not neatly niched, and that’s intentional — because I’m not either. I’m endlessly curious and multi-passionate, and if you are too, welcome. You're in good company.
You’ll find episodes on mindset, personal development, self-defense and jiu jitsu, herbalism, nutrition, and healing from Lyme disease — which I’ve had for over 20 years. Thankfully, I'm in good health now thanks to herbs, nutrition, and what I’d call lifestyle medicine... or just really solid self-care. I even got my master's in it, mostly so I could pass what I’ve learned along to others.
Today’s thought experiment is about something that shaped me in a big way: envy — and how I learned to flip it into something useful.
Growing up, I was really shy. Like, really shy. I didn't feel pretty enough, cool enough, smart enough — just not enough. I compared myself constantly. Friends, peers, my sister — everyone. And it always left me feeling less-than, disconnected, or invisible.
But somewhere in my late teens, I realized… this constant comparison wasn’t helping. It wasn’t fueling me — it was draining me. So I started to shift it. Instead of letting jealousy sit and fester, I tried turning it into inspiration.
If someone was doing something I admired, something I wished I could do, I started saying yes to things that scared me — in small, honest ways. Whether it was speaking up, signing up, or simply showing up — I tried. I built trust with myself one ‘yes’ at a time.
Over time, I realized something really powerful: when someone sparks envy in you, it's often because they’re reflecting back something you’re meant to explore. They're showing you what’s possible for you.
The ladies at @tobemagnetic have a word for this: expanders. People who expand your view of what’s possible just by being who they are. I didn’t know that word back then, but I was already using the concept.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines watching and wishing, I started living more. Doing more. Trying things. Building a life I was proud of. And when I did that, the envy kind of dissolved — because now I was doing the thing. I was becoming the kind of person I used to admire.
So if you’re feeling stuck in comparison, or watching someone else live a life you wish you could... maybe this is your invitation. Instead of asking, “Why them?” — try asking, “What is this showing me about what I want?” And then go try it.
Whatever is meant for you won’t miss you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t meet it halfway.
Let’s be expanders for each other. Let’s inspire instead of compare. It’s a much more joyful way to live — and it adds so much richness to life.
And if this little thought experiment resonates with you, it would mean the world if you’d subscribe, like, share, or leave a comment. Every little bit helps this project grow. Thanks for listening. I’ll see you on the next one.
From my heart to yours.
Greta
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & wherever you listen.
IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet
TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic
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