Feeling like everyone else is perfect while you make mistakes is a common cognitive distortion known as "comparing mind" or "social comparison." It involves comparing yourself unfavorably to others and assuming that they are flawless, while you focus on your perceived shortcomings and errors.
Several factors can contribute to this type of thinking:
Idealization of others: When you only see the surface level of other people's lives or achievements, it's easy to idealize them and believe they have it all together. Remember that everyone has their struggles and imperfections, even if they don't show them openly.
Self-criticism: If you tend to be hard on yourself and have high self-expectations, you may be more prone to noticing your own mistakes and downplaying your accomplishments compared to others.
Fear of judgment: You might fear being judged or rejected by others for your mistakes, which could lead you to believe that others are perfect and never make any errors.
Selective perception: People often project their best selves on social media or in public, making it seem like they have no flaws. However, this projection does not represent the full reality of their lives.
Overestimating others' abilities: Sometimes, we overestimate the abilities and skills of others, assuming they are better than us in every aspect.
It's important to recognize that nobody is perfect, and comparing yourself to others is not a fair or accurate way to assess your worth or abilities. Everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your progress, growth, and individual journey. Embrace your imperfections as part of being human, and treat yourself with compassion and kindness.
If you find that these feelings of inadequacy or comparing yourself to others are causing significant distress or impacting your self-esteem, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through these thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking about yourself and others.