Envy as Motivator

[MysterionMuffles]

I'm not sure I grasp this just yet, but how can envy be used as a motivator? When I think of envy, I view it as self attack with the thoughts of, "I don't have what they have, therefore sadness." It spirals into feeling inadequate due to comparison to others.

 

Lately, I've been dropping some friends like bricks off a rooftop, and opted for hanging out with my brother and his friends more, instead. They're all entrepeneurs and although aren't super successful, they are making their way in methods beyond the norm. When I view their business ventures and the journeys they've taken to get to where they are, I am filled with admiration for what they've accomplished and would wish to emulate their level of self efficacy. Before I had this admiration though, I also had anxiety being around them because I wasn't used to being around people who didn't have only conventional jobs to sustain their expenses. There's something about their mindsets that vastly outstrips those of my typical friends of yesteryear, who were all about the beaten path of conformity.

 

So from my experience, envy kind of comes first and feeling inadequate, but admiring and appreciating the fortune of others induces inspiration to act in the same accord of their actions. I forget who it was here on the boards, if it was one person or more, but they said that envy is a motivator. Is this what they mean or something else entirely? Whether you're them or not, what are you thoughts on using envy as a motivator?

[Colin_Turner]

I think your making it a positive which is great. Leave negative people behind and get on with your life. Its too short.

[MysterionMuffles]

Yeah...it's making a ton of space for better people. I've been having open and vulnerable conversations with so many people lately, it's astounding. I didn't think it was possible to connect with people on deeper levels. And not even just pertaining only to life's woes but also inspiring ideas. I'm surprised this form of communication is even possible. I used to think I was the only one who thought and felt this way. Then when I found FDR I thought they were too far spread to connect with people in my own proximity, but it turns out if you just let yourself be open, the right people will be open to you as well.

[luxfelix]

By surrounding yourself with entrepreneurs I imagine some of their economic enthusiasm and encouragement will rub off on you whether through envy and/or empathy.