Metaprogram: Comparison

This metaprogram is about what someone uses to assess their own performance. It is important to understand that all options are legitimate ways to accomplish this task, but they are useful in different contexts with varying degrees of relevance.

For example, someone trying to play the piano for the first time will likely experience more motivation if they compare their performance to how they played a week or a month ago, rather than comparing themselves to a world-renowned virtuoso.

However, if this person later aspires to make a living as a concert pianist, it will be necessary for them to compare their performance to the best in the world, as only this comparison will allow a realistic assessment of their potential.

Question: "How do you assess your professional performance?"

A) Quantitative Numbers

With this type, you will hear phrases such as:

"I am the third-best salesperson based on sales statistics."
"I increased my performance by 20% last year."
"I am among the top 10 in the company," etc.

B) Qualitative: Good/Bad

This type does not assess their performance using numbers, but rather with qualitative terms such as:

"I am a good salesperson"
"I have trouble concentrating"
"My ability to express myself in writing is rather modest," etc.

C) Type of Comparison: Comparing with oneself (Past, Future, Ideal)

Comparing with others (with whom?)
Comparing others with others (who with whom? Rumors)

The benchmark we use for comparison influences the outcome of our assessment. As mentioned earlier, any benchmark can be motivating and meaningful in one context, but misguided and demotivating in another.
Comparing oneself to one's past self involves evaluating one's performance development from the past to the present. This can be useful when setting a training plan or motivating oneself using one's own performance growth.
This benchmark is entirely individual and not informative when it comes to one's performance relative to the average or top performers.