Great words by Theodore Roosevelt. We live in a world obsessed with comparison. Social media, workplace evaluations, even casual conversations—all are riddled with phrases like better than, worse than, more successful, less talented, faster, slower, stronger, weaker. These comparative terms subtly shape our mindset, often leaving us feeling either inadequate or superior. Neither outcome is healthy.

I dislike comparative language because it shifts our focus away from personal growth and gratitude. Instead of appreciating where we are, we fixate on where we aren’t. Instead of celebrating others, we measure ourselves against them. Comparison creates an invisible scoreboard where we’re constantly ranking ourselves, but there’s no actual finish line—just exhaustion and discontent.

We live in a world filled with distractions—news, social media, work stress, and personal challenges can easily consume our thoughts. But Scripture reminds us that what we focus on determines the direction of our lives. The New Testament urges believers to set their minds on things above, shifting their focus from temporary struggles to eternal truths.

In life, we often encounter challenges, setbacks, and difficult circumstances that seem beyond our control. How we respond to these situations, however, can determine our overall success and fulfillment. John Gordon, a renowned author and speaker, has shared a simple yet powerful formula that encapsulates this idea: E+P=O. This formula stands for Event + Perspective = Outcome, and it serves as a reminder that while we may not control the events in our lives, we always have the power to control our perspective—and therefore, influence the outcome.

In our journey through life, we often encounter challenges that test our resilience, patience, and faith. How we perceive these challenges can significantly influence our experience and outcomes. This concept, known as the power of perspective, is a crucial element in personal growth and spiritual development. By shifting our perspective, we can transform seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and enrichment.