**1. What is the jealousy I’m feeling really telling me?** Jealousy tells us that we are craving something we (perceive we) lack. It's natural, and can be useful- it can reveal our real desires and motivations. Understanding what we’re envious of can provide insight into what we value and what paths we might want to pursue- but we need to be careful to not be jealous of that which we do not have, simply because we do not have it. So always be aware that…
**2. The grass always looks greener.** When my friend told me she was getting 29 months of redundancy pay, it was naturally the thing that I focussed on. However, alongside this pay and the new opportunities redundancy can often bring- it clearly comes with significant stressors and anxieties. It can also make even the most brilliant people (and the friend in question is brilliant) question their worth. In work, this is often what its like looking at someone getting promoted, no matter how much they deserve it- there’s always something wondering about yourself. Just remember there will have been a whole series of things you didn’t see about that person getting there.
**3. Beat back the jealousy with action.** When you’ve given some thought to your jealousy- taken a step back and considered all of the pros and cons associated with the situation- and still feel jealous, you have a choice. You can do nothing and remain jealous, and let it fester; or you can identify the steps you can take to get a little bit of that green green grass for yourself. Don’t do the former- make jealousy your catalyst for change and growth. Its only valuable, however, when you work out what it is that you are genuinely jealous of in that person’s situation- when you are jealous of someone’s new work project- is it the project content? The visibility? Working it out clearly, will help you get closer to what it is that you want.