How does envy make you succeed?

This year, a mate I met on Facebook published his Poetry Anthology and just one month ago, he had a book launch. This friend who had always been so lowkey about being a poet and writer just surprised me with an anthology I had only been dreaming about but was too scared or lazy to get the work done. And there I was, in great fascination and envy of the guy who had somehow done what I couldn't or wasn't ready to do.

Recently, all of my friends have been doing something with their lives. At least, that's how it seems. One has already set up a business of his own. Another has been making huge money working online. And a bunch of others have been doing things that either bring solace or the dough. These are my friends and I am proud of them. But I am also envious of them. I mean, I don't want to be like them but I am also hoping that they don't leave me behind as they climb the thresholds of glory.

So what am I to do in order not to be left behind? I mean... I talked of being the King's fool, but I'd also love to be the King's knight or the Knight's king. And what better way is there than to push myself towards this healthy competition, with myself, my friends, and their successes? Far from me the thought of beating them but I'd love to be worthy of being in that circle. I mean... We are friends to lift, support and inspire one another.

I'm writing this today to tell you that there's nothing wrong with competition - as long as it's healthy. The reason for bringing these analogies is to better paint the picture of how I feel about this thing. With these virtual friends and real life companions, I've learnt that they should inspire you to be better. And it's totally okay to be envious of their successes if they can push you to being successful yourself. Not forgetting that when your envy pushes you to be like somebody or better than somebody, you should also let your determination and consistency walk you through that.

I'd conclude by saying that envy makes you succeed - only if you're not this hate-filled person, only if you're not this negativity-filled person, only if you decide on what'll fuel your motivation. The envy will make you see that you want those same things and the desired success will have to push you to work. Shalom.