How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

We live in a weird world, don’t we? One where we share anything and everything that is going on in our lives. From what we eat to where we’re at. Check-in, like, comment, retweet, share. It’s all a bit over the top if you look at it at a bird’s-eye view. I don’t know about you, but in the last 5 years I have become very much aware of my feelings when it comes to comparing my life and myself to others on the internet. Many of these people I’ve not even seen in real life!

To be honest, I’m not one to compare myself too often because I find that I’m usually preoccupied with other things like meeting deadlines or growing a business. That’s not to say that I’ve suffered from it, especially since moving to London and entering the travel lifestyle blog world. I grew to prioritize and put my efforts towards things that truly mattered. So let’s just jump right in. Are you comparing yourself to others? Do you think comparing yourself to others is helping you achieve your goals?

Focus on Your Priorities

This is what I used to get out of the funk. I realized that I had such important and bigger things to think about and put my energy towards that I couldn’t even believe that I was wasting so much time on focusing internet people that I never met or people I know, but don’t have the life that I actually want. Are you a mother? Focus on helping your children achieve their goals. Are you a freelancer? Focus on getting another client. Are you a student? Figure out your next step! There are bigger and better things to achieve and you can easily roadmap it. And I bet your roadmap won’t include comparing yourself to others.

Avoid Triggers

This is hard. FOMO is a real concept. Bloggers and influencers get it all the time when they feel left out of the loop about a campaign or a press trip. I’ve been there, trust me. You just have to avoid the triggers though. I was finding myself confused as to why a prospective client would sign with another company. Instead of observing it on a surface level, I focused on “why” that prospective client signed with “X” company. What does that company have or what do they do that I can adapt and provide?

Another example for the blogger is comparing yourself to others when on Instagram. Put a time limit on the app and use your Instagram time somewhere else in a more productive way. Tip: you can now put a time limit on Instagram within the app. This will make it easier for you to avoid triggers and hopefully curb your habits of comparing yourself to others.

Be Grateful for What You Have

I’ve said this before somewhere in my productivity posts, but I usually end the day reflecting what I’ve achieved or how I’ve “won the day.” They don’t have to be big achievements, but they can be something that you know will amount to something much bigger. If that doesn’t work, look at your big wins in life. Don’t do the whole feeling bad for yourself here because all of us have done great things. Have you graduated from university? Many people don’t have the opportunity for such an education. Have you started your own business? This takes a lot of planning and courage. Did you conquer your fear? Many people die before they even attempt this. I usually think about my incredible education and the achievements on the way. I also think about the amazing parents I have who let me live in a different country and for fully supporting me in anything I do.

Humanize the Situation

Not to be applied just to Instagram, but sometimes you need to acknowledge the truth behind all the amazingness someone shares and has. I will see someone who has twice as many Instagram followers than me and feel deflated, but then I think about how I actually have an engaged audience who care about me and not just a photo. I also think about and appreciate all the hard work it takes to capture the moments they share on their Instagram. It may look perfect, but there is a filter there for a reason. Just remind yourself that behind the curtain there is so much more effort and you’re only seeing the results.

It’s About the Journey

One thing my mom always told me when I was growing up was that everyone is on a different rollercoaster called life. We all have the highs and the lows at completely different times and just because I’m experiencing a low doesn’t mean the other person hasn’t already gone through that. Ultimately, we end up in the same place based on how much we are willing to work hard and persevere. So fall in love with the journey even when it gets bumpy!

Fuel Your Motivation

I know we can’t just knock it out of ourselves easily. Comparing yourself to others is something that lingers. It lingers for a long time. As you implement the above principles and let it do its work, use the comparison as a way to motivate. See a photo of a friend from high school who still has a beach body? Then get active. Want to travel like the girl on your Instagram feed? Then start saving for a trip to your dream destination! Before you come up with excuses, think about how coming up with excuses is the same amount of energy as putting your energy towards the motivation.

I’d love to hear about your tips on how you avoid comparing yourself to others. This is just a breakdown of my tried and trusted methods and hope it guides you!