Envy as a guide

What if we’ve had envy all wrong? What if envy is recognition of who we already are? What if what feels like a barrier is recognition of our potential in someone else? The challenging feelings that overshadow the recognition, the fear, shame, and self-doubt are the influence of internalized capitalism and the shadow side of the ego which views everything through a lens of competition, hierarchy, and scarcity.

Ah, envy, you insidious little nuisance. Envy loves to whisper in your ear, reminding you of all the things you don't have but desperately desire. And what better target for envy than someone who possesses the very thing you crave? It's like watching someone flaunt their perfect SAT score, while you were just a minute too late, denied entry to the test.

The feeling of envy is a peculiar mix of admiration and bitterness. You can't help but appreciate the object of your desire, but deep down, a part of you wants to snatch that brilliance right out of their clutches and claim it for yourself. It's a tug-of-war between admiration and an almost mischievous desire to outshine them. 

It is an uncomfortable companion that shadows our desires, nudging us towards comparison and discontentment. We’ve all been there.

When envy takes hold, we are confronted with a stark contrast between our aspirations and someone else's achievements. We witness their accomplishments, their possessions, or their seemingly effortless success, and a pang of shame courses through our veins. We may feel inadequate and diminished in the face of their perceived superiority. We may hide our envy, burying it deep within ourselves, afraid of being exposed and judged for our covetous feelings. We likely feel a sense of guilt for begrudging others their fortune or resenting their happiness, knowing deep down that these emotions do not align with our best selves.

Wanting what someone else has may be a good thing. If you can set aside the illusion that you are too late, It's beyond your reach, or you don’t know how.  Examining the limitations you’ve internalized is the key. Soften to your doubt and judgment. Make friends with it. Try on the identity you covet, pretend it’s already yours and see how it feels. 

Try on the idea that there is truly enough for everyone. There is enough room in the world for whatever you aspire to.

I come from a branding background. In my agency days, I  had hundreds of conversations about differentiators, market positions, and unique value propositions. But the truth is, a fresh take or different voice on a well-loved thing is the smartest position. So don’t worry about what already exists, trust who you are. Trust in your unique point of view and follow your heart.

Within the realm of storytelling and branding, archetypes play a significant role in understanding the depths of human nature and the complex dynamics that drive our actions. Among the many archetypes that emerge from our collective consciousness, the Saboteur stands out as an enigmatic force. 

With envy, the saboteur archetype makes an appearance, assuming a rather destructive role within our psyche. The saboteur possesses a clever knack for chipping away at our self-worth and subtly undermining our potential for growth. It plants disempowering thoughts that ignite comparison and foster discontentment. 

On the plus side, the Saboteur is intimately connected to our survival instinct. It helps us identify potential threats and challenges, enabling us to take proactive measures to ensure our well-being and survival. It brings a heightened sense of self-awareness. It alerts us to our fears and limiting beliefs, helping us recognize and acknowledge the areas where we may be sabotaging ourselves. The saboteur is actually here to encourage responsibility for our actions, choices, and creations. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own lives and encourages us to be accountable for our decisions.

Envy may be internalized capitalism dancing with the saboteur archetype, pointing you in the direction of your highest self. If that’s the case, embrace your envy, and thank it for showing you what’s up!