Comparison
“Stay in your lane. Comparison kills creativity and joy.” - Brené Brown
Hi Friend!
We live in a world where we're constantly exposed to images of the illusion of “perfection”. Whether we're scrolling through social media, flipping through a magazine, or watching a commercial, we are flooded with messages about how we should look, act, and feel. It's no surprise that many of us end up comparing ourselves to others.
Comparison is a natural part of life—it happens in school, at work, and online. However, whether we're aware of it or not, comparing ourselves to others often leaves us feeling worse decrease our happiness.
This endless cycle of comparison makes us question our worth. We start believing we're not good enough, not attractive enough, or not wealthy enough.
The problem with comparison is that it’s almost always inaccurate. We often measure our worst qualities against someone else's best. We compare our unique life experiences to others with completely different circumstances. Most importantly, we compare our personal journey to someone else’s destination. The truth is, the comparison game is unwinnable—the odds are always against us.
And don’t forget, what we see on the outside could be a total show-fake- and yet we are comparing ourselves to that person- what if the person(s) you are comparing yourself too are struggling with there marriage behind closed doors, or substance abuse, or dealing with a child with autism, or a personal medical diagnosis, or financial issues- so be mindful before your start making assumptions about how “perfect” you think someone’s life is.
Tips for shaking the comparison game
Connection and gratitude – can offer valuable insights into mitigating the negative impacts of comparison and fostering a healthier sense of self-worth.
Connection as an Antidote to Comparison: When we feel securely connected to ourselves and others, we're less likely to fall into the trap of comparison. Strong connections foster a sense of belonging and self-acceptance, reducing the need to measure ourselves against others.
Shifting from Comparison to Gratitude: Graditude can be a powerful force for shifting our focus. Instead of comparing ourselves to others and feeling inadequate, gratitude allows us to appreciate our own unique strengths, blessings, and journeys.
Cultivate Self-Compassion: Recognize that comparison is a natural human tendency, but it doesn't have to dictate your self-worth. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend struggling with comparison.
Shift Your Focus to Your Own Journey: Everyone's path is unique, and comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to oranges. Embrace your own journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and focus on your own definition of success.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you notice comparison creeping in, challenge the negative thoughts that fuel it. Are you focusing on unrealistic ideals or comparing yourself to carefully curated online personas?
Embrace Your Strengths: Everyone has unique talents and abilities. Identify your strengths and celebrate them. Focusing on what you do well can boost self-confidence and reduce the need for external validation.
Connect with Your Values: When you live in alignment with your values, you're more likely to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making you less susceptible to the allure of comparison.
Seek Support: If you find yourself struggling to overcome the comparison trap, don't hesitate to reach out for support. A coach can provide guidance and tools to help you develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
Remember, comparison thrives when we focus on what we lack. By cultivating connection, practicing gratitude, and embracing our own unique journeys, we can break free from the comparison trap and create a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Comparison truly is the thief of joy. If your struggling, book a session. ‘
XO Jenna
