Yes. This type of comparison is harmful. We need to always make efforts to improve. But when you look up to others, except saints, you usually get distracted by their personality, money, name and fame, beauty or other perishable considerations. You need to avoid these considerations and just focus on their virtues. Most people who wish to idealize have little discrimination and get attracted and influenced by shallow considerations.

Competition, even in virtues, can be dangerous. Not knowing one's capacity can cause frustration. Dogs do not and should not compete with horses or lions, but should compete within their own species. Man is a complex species and therefore a more different rule applies. Gita says: Perform your own duties in an expert manner and you will be the best. God wants you to strive to perform your duties to the best of your abilities without shallow considerations based on lust, greed, name and fame, etc.

-- Swami Radhanandaji