Ghanaian rapper Medikal has challenged the culture of comparing personal success with other people’s achievements, arguing that the most meaningful measure of progress is how far an individual has come.
According to the award-winning musician, constantly looking at what others have acquired can make people overlook their own growth. He encouraged people to reflect on their past circumstances and recognise the changes they have made over the years.
“I compare myself to myself, but when you compare yourself to other people. Compare yourself to how things were last year, two years ago, three years ago, five years ago. Don’t compare yourself to somebody who is living a different life now,” he said.
Medikal said his own definition of progress is rooted in the difference between where he started and where he is today.
He recalled a time when he drove a Toyota Camry and contrasted it with his current ability to afford expensive items and even buy cars for other people.
“I calculate it from the time I was driving a Camry. Right now, I can do certain things and even buy cars for people. That’s growth be that,” he said.
The rapper also cautioned against looking at the lifestyle of established personalities without considering the years of sacrifice and difficulties that may have preceded their success.
He cited Shatta Wale as an example, explaining that someone who compares their possessions with the dancehall star’s could easily become frustrated without knowing what he endured to achieve his current status.
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“If you compare yourself to someone like Shatta, you’ll say by now you should be driving a Rolls-Royce. But the hustle and hardship Shatta went through before buying that Rolls-Royce, you haven’t been through it. If you try to force it, you’ll run into problems,” he explained.
Medikal advised people to be realistic about what they can afford instead of stretching themselves financially to match another person’s lifestyle.
“Don’t do pass yourself. Don’t compare yourself to anybody. Reach your level, know what you can afford and keep climbing higher,” he advised.
He further noted that people come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, making direct comparisons an unreliable way of judging success.
“You don’t know what the other person has been through or where they came from. None of us has the same story, so don’t stress yourself too much,” the rapper stated.
Watch his statement below.
@lupi_love_kyannel Compare yourself to yo past, about some 3/2yrs back. buh nor others #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #fypシ ♬ original sound – lupi_Love_Kyannel🎙️