The Symphony of Success: Mudita in a World of Envy
You’ve likely come across the phrase, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This idea resonates deeply with the diverse range of human feelings. I’ve experienced it firsthand. Each time I scroll through social media, I’m inundated with fleeting snapshots of joy and triumph. Every tale told, every achievement celebrated by someone I know, prompts me to question my own worth and contributions. In moments of quiet introspection, I sometimes focus on the few negatives, overlooking the abundance of positives in my life. When I measure my successes against others, I let envy creep in, overshadowing my contentment. But what if there’s an antidote to this persistent thief?
In August 2023, a global audience of tens of millions converged to witness a single football match. Amidst the electrifying ambiance of an arena, where every shout and song resonates powerfully, Lionel Messi stood tall — a symbol of hope for countless individuals worldwide. After an illustrious stint in European football, he had recently joined Inter Miami in the MLS, propelling the underdog team to the semifinals of the mid-season “Leagues Cup.” Yet, on that particular day, my attention was equally divided between the legendary figure who redefined football with every strike and another behind-the-scenes maestro making waves: Paul Vecchione.
Paul wasn’t just another face in the crowd. He was a dear friend, a gifted videographer with a singular dream: to film Messi, a symbol of hope for every person who’d been told, “You can’t.” Paul’s dream was birthed from trials and hard work in his youth, to the silent struggles of proving himself in the shadows of cinematic giants.
I sat in anticipation, not just for Messi’s predictable brilliance, but for Paul’s moment in the sun. The culmination of dreams, years of perseverance, and an unwavering spirit. And then, as the post-game celebrations began, there he was, unmistakably Paul, camera in hand, immortalizing the essence of the game, the spirit of Messi.
Many people around the world probably felt a great deal of envy towards Paul and his proximity to Messi. You’ve probably heard the old adage, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s true: comparison robs us of contentment. When we measure our success against the accomplishments or acquisitions of others, we become envious — resentful about all the good in their lives. We become convinced that others like Paul have received far greater blessings (or luck) than we have, and that means there’s something wrong with us.
However, the emotion I felt while watching Paul stand so close to my idol was overwhelmingly positive. It was deeper than mere happiness. It was mudita — a profound joy in Paul’s achievement. In Pali, an ancient Indian language, mudita means “to delight in the good fortunes or the accomplishments of others.”
It made me realize our successes are not solitary; they’re symphonies, harmonies of collective triumphs.
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I reflected on this feeling the morning after the game at my F45 workout studio the next day; I couldn’t hold back my exhilaration. Sharing Paul’s journey, his grit and the moment he finally stepped into his spotlight brought alive a truth. Our paths, though individual, are interconnected. Our dreams, though different, have shared melodies. When one of us rises, we all soar a little higher.
So, the next time envy knocks, let’s turn instead to mudita. Instead of wishing for what others have, let’s celebrate their achievements. In a world where we often see just the highlight reels, perhaps it’s time to recognize that many might be doing the same. Every time we feel a pang of envy, it’s an opportunity to examine our beliefs and perceptions about another’s situation. More importantly, it’s a chance to embrace gratitude. For our shared symphony of success is the most melodious tune of all.
Try to ask yourself the following questions to help you reframe envy to mudita.
1. Reflection: What are areas of your life where you only share the highlight reel? Could it be possible others are doing the same?
2. Reflection: When was the last time you felt jealous or envious of another person? What are you choosing to believe about them or their situation?
3. Action: Choose someone’s success around you today and share their accomplishment with your community on social media or in a small group setting. When you see someone show pride in their achievements on social media, click that share button and tell your community about what they’ve accomplished. When you do, you’ll become a foot soldier in their movement. Observe how it makes you feel.
Embracing mudita is more than just a mindset shift; it’s a daily practice. Challenge yourself to actively celebrate the successes of those around you, whether big or small. Each time you feel the tug of envy, transform it into admiration and appreciation.