Guard your Heart With All Diligence 

Zainab Aderounmu

August 25, 2026

When we exhibit negative emotions as humans, we’re often quick to question our humanity or capacity for good. Imagine being sad and envious that your friend, with whom you were waiting for a promotion, got it ahead of you. The problem isn’t the emotions we spontaneously feel, the problem is our response to such emotions. 

Do you act on your envy, or do you guard your heart? How do you guard yourself from such inclinations?

I remember feeling envious of a friend a few months ago; she was more of a slightly older colleague. I wanted what she had and the skills set she wielded. Immediately I felt that urge, I took a short bathroom break, to look in the mirror and self talk. One effective way to guard your heart is to have an honest conversation with yourself. 

I said “Zainab honey, you know we can’t compare our chapter 3 to another person’s chapter 15. It doesn’t work that way girl! They can inspire you, but you can’t want what they have. It’s okay, my love, we’re building.” A good self conversation isn’t a disparaging one, it’s a compassionate one. How would you speak to a loved one experiencing the same emotion? Exactly, treat yourself the same way. 

Self-speak comes from a journey of self awareness and love, which is another way to guard your heart. When you nurture envy and the wicked desires that come with it, you’re communicating that you’re unaware of the blessings God has bestowed on you. The simple truth is, you have been created with numerous talents and abilities, but when you can’t recognise what you have, you want what others have. Knowing yourself and diligently playing to your strengths will save you from the wicked snares of anger at another’s achievements. 

In that moment when your heart longs for something someone has, remind yourself of who you are and what you carry and redirect the energy into inspiration. It may sound like this “how I wish I could do XYZ like Ade… Oh, but I can do ABC; I’m sure if I wanted I could learn XYZ. I’ll ask Ade for help if she doesn’t mind.”

Wanting what another person has isn’t a crime, but, is that genuinely the picture you want to paint or are you just copying another person’s painting? In a race, one big mistake you can make is to watch other racers’ progress. You’ll get confused and thrown off guard, and you’ll ultimately lose. Stay in a class of your own, and build an authentic life.

My sibling and I currently have a group name and each time I see someone copy it, I laugh because there’s a story behind the name. If you asked the copies, they probably won’t have an authentic story to share. Authenticity is the higher road from comparison/envy; even if you’re not the one feeling such emotions but you’re experiencing it from someone else, take the highway, be authentic. Craft beautiful and real stories that no one else can copy. Envy, comparison, jealousy aren’t death sentences, they’re indicators, of what you desire, and where your self knowledge may be lacking. 

About Author

Zainab Aderounmu A. W.

Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.