How to be appreciative and stop comparing with others?

I really struggle with this. I oscillate between feeling thankful that I'm doing very well in absolute terms and then feeling crappy because I feel like I have the potential to be doing better (working at a more prestigious or well-paying firm). When I'm on my deathbed, I know I'm not going to be lamenting that I didn't work at a top BB or the so-called top EBs. I'll be regretting not spending more time with loved ones or not contributing more to make the world a better place. But in the current moment, it's so hard not to feel envious at times and get caught up in the rat race. How do you guys try to be appreciative for what you have and not get caught up in the stupid stuff?

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not looking for external validation and realizing that life isn't so linear as eb--> mf--> hbs

 
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I personally remember where I came from (1st generation American, 1st generation College Graduate), and how fortunate I am to be where I am.

Living and working in NYC is something tens, if not hundreds of millions of people around the world dream of doing - and for many of us on this forum, it's a reality.

Slow down and appreciate where you are - take it in. Work towards your goals, but don't be so caught up in your career (and your paycheck), that you forget to stop and smell the roses. We all have a limited time on this earth, and in 10,000 years, your career on Wall Street isn't going to have any significance at all.

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