Enviousness

Enviousness is the feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by the possessions, qualities, or luck of another. It's a complex emotion often intertwined with a sense of inadequacy or unfairness, where one desires something belonging to someone else. It can manifest as a subtle bitterness or, in extreme cases, as overt hostility. enviousness can be a powerful motivator, spurring individuals to strive for improvement, or it can be a destructive force, poisoning relationships and hindering personal growth. It involves a painful awareness of a perceived lack, triggering negative comparisons and a desire to diminish the success of others. It often stems from a sense of personal worth that hinges on external comparisons.

Enviousness meaning with examples

• Sarah felt a pang of enviousness when she saw her friend's luxurious vacation photos, though she knew it was unproductive to dwell on what she didn't have. She resolved instead to work towards her own travel goals, and began saving with renewed determination. Her initial response was quickly changed into motivation.
• The enviousness emanating from the colleague who hadn't received the promotion was palpable; their constant criticism of the new manager was fuelled by this bitter emotion. This ultimately destroyed any chance of getting the promotion in the future. The behaviour also impacted the team dynamic.
• Despite his success, John found himself experiencing bouts of enviousness towards others, and the apparent ease with which they seemed to navigate life, and his own feelings of self doubt. It held him back as he constantly assessed how he was failing in comparison with others and prevented true contentment.
• The artist struggled with enviousness when observing the rapid success of other young creators, questioning their methods and talent. He was always second guessing his own work. However, with some meditation and guidance, he redirected his focus toward his own unique style to find success.
• Her enviousness of her neighbor's meticulously kept garden gradually transformed into a desire to learn, leading her to join a gardening club, gaining knowledge, and transforming her own backyard. She realised that focusing on others wasn't helpful to her.
• After years of hard work, he found himself having no envy for anyone and realised that the only path to success was to focus on himself