The Comparison Trap

“Comparison is the death of joy.”

Mark Twain

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. I certainly have, and to be honest, more times than I’d like to admit.

By prevailing industry standards, I felt behind in my career progression. I became Vice President of News/News Director at the age of 45, after two decades of working in the business. Those familiar with the news industry are aware that many achieve this milestone earlier than I did. Even now, as a new entrepreneur and professional coach, I must resist the urge to compare my growth with others.

Throughout my health and fitness journey, which spans nearly a decade, I have often compared my results and body to others, including strangers on the internet. Even in matters of the heart, as a single woman who desires companionship, I remain aware of that troublesome self-imposed measuring stick we often create in our minds.

You can rest assured; you are not alone. We see someone else’s success and wonder why we haven’t achieved the same level of accomplishment sometimes in spite of our own achievements. However, constantly comparing ourselves to others only serves to steal our happiness. Each of us has our own unique path to follow, and it’s important to stay focused on our own lane rather than getting distracted by someone else’s.

I have adopted several strategies to stay focused on my personal journey:

• Set clear goals. Determine what you want to achieve and create a plan to reach those goals. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by someone else’s success.

• Practice gratitude. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, take time to appreciate what you do have. This will help you stay positive and motivated, even when things get tough.

• Water your own grass. Keep a record of your achievements and the challenges you have overcome. It’s okay to be proud of yourself.

• Cheer for others. It’s important that we uplift one another. Embrace a mindset of support and encouragement and watch how it fuels your own drive towards success.

• Surround yourself with positive influences. Seek out people who inspire and encourage you, rather than those who bring you down or make you feel inadequate.

It’s important to distinguish between seeking inspiration and succumbing to the pitfalls of comparison. Inspiration ignites creativity and originality by tapping into one’s inner desires and aspirations. Comparison fuels competition and possibly envy which can lead to self-doubt, conflict and stagnation. 

Everyone’s journey is different. Just because someone else has achieved something doesn’t mean that you’re any less successful. Stay focused on your own path and remember to celebrate your own accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Renee