How to Counter Jealousy
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Meera Jhogasundram is a certified professional coach and a bestselling author of 6 books. She is the founder of M Jhoga Coaching & Consulting, who specialises in leadership, performance, transitions, well-being, and energy leadership. She has been named as one of the top coaches in Geneva in 2022 and 2023.
Jealousy is an emotion as old as human interaction itself. It can be insidious, creeping into relationships, workplaces, and personal aspirations, often manifesting in ways that erode trust, hinder self-growth, and create a toxic cycle of negativity.
Whether you are the target of jealousy or experiencing it yourself, understanding how to neutralize its effects is essential for emotional well-being and long-term success. When left unchecked, jealousy can distort perspectives, foster unnecessary competition, and ultimately hinder a person’s ability to thrive.
Inspired by the principles outlined in You Are the Light: 7 Powerful Ways to Illuminate the Darkness Within, this article explores practical strategies to not only manage jealousy but also to transform it into a catalyst for growth through gratitude, self-awareness, and positive engagement.
1. If you are on the receiving end: Distance yourself from the jealous person
Jealousy is rarely expressed directly; it often surfaces through passive-aggressive behavior, resentment, or subtle acts of sabotage.
If someone in your life displays chronic jealousy, it can create emotional distress, derail motivation, and even damage professional or personal relationships.
Understanding the psychology of jealousy in others
People often express jealousy due to their own insecurities, projecting their frustrations onto others.
Jealous individuals may attempt to diminish the achievements of others, either subtly or overtly, to compensate for their own perceived shortcomings.
Prolonged exposure to such negative energy can inhibit creativity, productivity, and emotional well-being.
Solution
Set firm boundaries: limit interactions with individuals who consistently project envy onto you.
Avoid feeding negativity: instead of reacting emotionally, practice emotional neutrality to prevent escalation.
Surround yourself with supportive people: build relationships with uplifting, growth-oriented individuals.
2. If you are on the receiving end: Release any negativity caused by jealousy immediately
Being the target of jealousy can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and emotional exhaustion. Many individuals internalize external negativity, believing they must prove themselves or justify their success. However, allowing jealousy to dictate emotions only serves to reinforce its grip.
Why releasing negativity is crucial
Internalizing others’ jealousy creates unnecessary emotional burdens that limit progress.
Reacting negatively fuels conflict instead of neutralizing the source of tension.
Holding onto resentment toward jealous individuals reinforces cycles of negativity.
Solution
Practice emotional detachment: Recognize that others’ jealousy is a reflection of their struggles, not yours.
Engage in mindfulness techniques: Use meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises to process emotions effectively.
Redirect energy toward self-growth: Focus on personal development and skill enhancement rather than lingering on negative influences.
3. If you feel jealous: Counter it with gratitude
Jealousy often stems from comparison, insecurity, or fear of inadequacy. Social and professional environments frequently fuel competitive mindsets, making it easy to fall into the trap of measuring success against others.
However, jealousy is best neutralized with gratitude, the practice of acknowledging abundance rather than focusing on scarcity.
How jealousy is rooted in comparison
It creates a false perception that others’ success diminishes one’s own potential.
It shifts focus away from personal growth, making external achievements seem unattainable.
It fosters resentment, rather than celebration, of collective success.
Solution
Shift your perspective: Instead of envying others, redirect your focus to your own progress and achievements.
Practice daily gratitude exercises: Journal three things you appreciate about your career and personal life.
Celebrate others’ success: Recognizing and acknowledging others’ accomplishments fosters a mindset of abundance.
4. If you feel jealous: Love and accept yourself
At its core, jealousy is often a symptom of self-doubt and lack of self-worth. The tendency to evaluate oneself based on external achievements creates an unhealthy cycle of validation-seeking behaviours, making fulfilment elusive.
True career and personal excellence come from self-acceptance and embracing one’s unique strengths and contributions rather than competing with external perceptions.
The psychological effects of jealousy on self-worth
It reinforces feelings of inadequacy, creating a dependency on external validation.
It diminishes self-confidence, making personal growth feel overwhelming.
It fosters self-sabotage, leading individuals to doubt their ability to achieve success.
Solution
Affirm your strengths: Remind yourself daily of your unique qualities, abilities, and past achievements.
Engage in self-care: Practice activities that enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Explore transformational resources: Delve into You Are the Light: 7 Powerful Ways to Illuminate the Darkness Within for deeper insights into self-empowerment and personal growth.
Conclusion: Transform jealousy into growth
Jealousy does not have to be a destructive force when harnessed correctly; it can be an opportunity for self-reflection and transformation.
Whether you are on the receiving end or struggling with jealousy yourself, adopting a growth-oriented mindset ensures that negativity does not define your trajectory.
By distancing yourself from toxic influences, releasing negativity, practicing gratitude, and embracing self-love, you gain the ability to turn jealousy into motivation rather than limitation.
For a deeper exploration of emotional resilience and career empowerment, explore You Are the Light: 7 Powerful Ways to Illuminate the Darkness Within, a transformational guide to overcoming negativity and unlocking your highest potential.
Read more from Meera Jhogasundram
Meera Jhogasundram, Career Transition Coach & Author
Meera pursued her journey to career excellence by graduating summa cum laude in the Doctor of International Relations programme and underwent training to become a certified professional coach. As a result, Meera founded M Jhoga Coaching & Consulting and she specialises in five areas of expertise:
Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner
COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist
COR.E Transitions Dynamics™ Specialist
COR.E Performance Dynamics™ Specialist
COR.E Wellbeing Dynamics™ Specialist
Meera has also been named as one of the top coaches in Geneva in 2022 and 2023.
