This is where comparing oneself to others actually makes sense, within reason. I agree it’s a mistake to judge your life based on milestones or achievements made by friends and family because we all have different goals and definitions of happiness.

However, in business or athletics or anything else where competition is a key component, we really need to know how we’re doing. With nothing/no one to compare ourselves to, its impossible to know whether we’re crushing it or about to be replaced.

I encounter a LOT of people who are afraid to ask for a raise when they need it, afraid to go home at the end of the day, afraid to take a full lunch break…all because they’re racing this invisible ghost and they don’t even know whether they’re winning or getting lapped.

Know where you stand. If you don’t know, ask.