Two of the feelings most people do not want to feel are jealousy and envy; they can be nasty. However, one can actually use these feelings to their advantage if they know how to manage them the right way.
A video posted in Life Hacker explains how we can use these feelings to our advantage. How? Asking them for advice.
Furthermore, Lily Herman of The Muse suggests that we should not look at a successful co-worker as an adversary. Rather, we should look to him or her as a possible source for advice. What that means is that instead of becoming envious or jealous, we can instead reach out to this person and ask for some tips and tricks. What made them succeed? In return, you are also giving him or her an ego boost, which is also a positive thing.
Why does this work? It not only provides a channel for turning your negative feelings into something positive but also helps you expand your network.
So the next time you feel jealous or envy of someone, think of these three simple tips provided by Herman:
Ask for Pointers
Instead of getting jealous when your co-worker achieves something, try to walk over to him and her and ask him for a few pointers on how you, too, can succeed. Doing this might earn you a friend along the way.
Focus on Your Strengths
Do not spend too much time thinking about your weaknesses and how you are not good at something. Instead, focus on your strengths. What are you good at? What are your skills that he or she doesn't have? You'll be surprised to realize one day that you actually have a number of skills that he or she is jealous of.
Keep Your Feelings to Yourself
Remember that talking to other colleagues about how you feel about someone says "more about you than whoever you're gossiping about."
Try to avoid venting out your feelings towards a co-worker. If you need to let it out, talk to your best friend or mother instead.
