We wish...
we could remain calm
we were more assertive
we had more wealth
we made better decisions
we were more productive
we made better things
Striving for improvement merely to get better is an admirable attitude. And, using others to fuel our posture can be helpful. But, it can also lead to regret, jealousy and a downward spiral of lowered self esteem and insecurity. The key isn't so much in the spark which gets us going, but how we build and maintain the fire. Action, disciplined work, growth and persistence get us somewhere. Simply wishing we were more like them does not.
We can use envy as fuel for possibility...to get going. Or we can use it as a distraction and an excuse to settle. Choose wisely.