We live in a world that often encourages competition over community, comparison over contentment. It’s easy to look at someone else’s success and feel a twinge of envy, wondering, “Why not me?” But what if, instead of allowing jealousy to take root, we trained ourselves to embrace freudenfreude (pronounced froy-den-froy-duh) —the joy of celebrating others’ victories as if they were our own?
What Is Freudenfreude?
Freudenfreude (a German-inspired term) is the opposite of schadenfreude (shah-den-froy-duh). Instead of finding pleasure in someone else’s misfortune, it’s about finding genuine happiness in their success. It’s cheering for a teammate who gets the promotion, congratulating the team who just beat you, rejoicing in a friend’s engagement, or truly celebrating another business’s win—even if it’s one you secretly wished for yourself.
Why Is It So Hard to Celebrate Others?
Let’s be honest—sometimes it stings to see others succeed, especially when we feel like we’re stuck in place. Our human nature, combined with a culture that equates success with self-worth, can make it hard to genuinely celebrate without comparison creeping in.
But comparison is a thief. It steals our joy, our gratitude, and our ability to see the bigger picture. The truth is, someone else’s success does not diminish our own potential. If anything, their victory is proof that good things can happen—and if God is blessing them, it’s a reminder that He’s in the business of blessing.
Comparison is a thief. It steals our joy, our gratitude, and our ability to see the bigger picture.
How to Cultivate a Heart That Celebrates Others
1. Recognize That There’s Enough Success to Go Around
Someone else’s win doesn’t mean you’ve lost. Life isn’t a zero-sum game. If God has opened a door for them, He has a door for you too. Celebrate their open door while you wait for yours.
2. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. Instead of resenting someone’s success, take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your own life. It’s hard to be envious when you’re overflowing with gratitude.
3. Be Intentional About Celebrating Others
If a friend gets a new job, send a congratulatory text. If a competitor has a big win, comment on their post with genuine encouragement. The more you practice celebrating others, the more natural it becomes.
4. Pray for a Heart of Joy
If jealousy creeps in, take it to God. Ask Him to replace envy with joy, competition with compassion, and comparison with contentment. He’s more than able to soften our hearts and help us love others well.
5. Remember That Someone Is Cheering for You Too
Think about the people who have celebrated your wins. The friends, mentors, and family members who have stood by you and cheered you on. Now, be that person for someone else.
Replace envy with joy, competition with compassion, and comparison with contentment.
Purpose Beyond the Game
In sports, business, and life, it’s easy to measure success by wins and losses. But true success is found in building a culture of encouragement, where we lift each other up rather than tear each other down. Purpose Beyond the Game isn’t just about what we accomplish—it’s about the impact we make in the lives of others.
So today, choose freudenfreude. Celebrate freely. Love deeply. And trust that when your time comes, you’ll have a crowd cheering just as loudly for you.
Who can you celebrate today?
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