How to use envy to your advantage

The other day, I saw an announcement for a writer who got a multi-book deal for a series she’d self-published.

I felt jealous.

And you know what?

I loved it.

Jealousy gets a bad rap, but I believe it’s often a glittering gift, because it tells us what we want. In my case, I love the idea of complete creative control on the front end, followed by a publishing partner—and I hadn't really considered that as an option until I read about that author's deal.

Now, maybe you’re super clear on what you want. But for many of my clients (and, ahem, myself), I’ve noticed that our stated goals aren’t always in alignment with our true desires. Sometimes we’ve identified with a particular ambition for so long that we keep saying it after it no longer lights us up. Envy can be a beautiful reminder of what would really delight you … which is what you should be working towards.

Now, the reverse is also often true: when you're not envious, that means something, too. When I hear or read about coaches who run multimillion dollar coaching businesses and have numerous employees and that’s their sole focus, I always think, Good for them … but that’s not for me. I love being a one-woman, part-time operation. I love that I have two careers. So the absence of envy is a sign that I’m on the right path.

What about you? When was the last time you were green over someone else’s success—and what might happen if you decided to see that as data that can inform your next move?