Sometimes, I really want to scold myself. I know too well that I shouldn’t be measuring up against the Jones. It does no good to me at all. Not to my ego, my dignity or my soul. But at times, I just can’t help it. Singapore’s meritocratic system has trained me too well. I am conditioned to compete in schools for grades, at work for promotions, and in life for success and mates. There is a Chinese saying, “when people compare, it kills them” (人比人，气死人). Sad right? But social conditioning is powerful. It is what I was taught by school, society and even family. And I see this crazy race to compete and compare, everyday when I go to work. Comparing the apples Recently, I learned about 2 people who have already achieved the goals that I am striving so hard to reach. Person A has ......