Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

It's natural to make comparisons.

Social comparisons are often how we think we create certainty.

How frequently do you find yourself measuring others against your standards?

While competition can drive us to excel, comparison often leaves us feeling inadequate, and we measure ourselves against others.??

Comparison is a silent thief.

It steals our joy and peace of mind because we realize that we have judged ourselves by comparing ourselves to others—usually to our advantage.

You can’t be focused on someone else and develop yourself.

Plus comparisons can become addictive, feeding into a false sense of superiority or victimhood.

So, how do we rewire our brains away from comparison and back to personal growth?

1. Take your victory lap: Remind yourself of your successes and strengths. Write them down. Savor them. Celebrate your accomplishments and acclimate to your accomplishments.
2. Be conscious of your reference points: You've heard it before--Limit your exposure to social media and other sources of comparison. According to Psychology Today, research has shown that up to 10% of our thoughts involve comparing ourselves to others. I think it's a heck of a lot more. Start your day without diving into the social or news-based media; it'll help set a more positive tone for the day ahead.
3. Practice gratitude: Gratitude lists are nice. However, what if, as you lay your head to rest, you reflected on the day's positive moments each night? Pause and savor them. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, reducing the urge to compare ourselves with others.
4. Interrupt your brain: When comparison thoughts arise, interrupt them. You may need to say, "Jill, Enough, We Are Not Doing This Today." Remind yourself to stop indulging in this mindset, as it only leads to diminishing returns and negative feelings.
5. Develop Certainty: Practice certainty. We create certainty when we choose what we think about ourselves, our strengths, and our skills. We don't create certainty by making someone else 'less than' us. You can't be certain about something outside of yourself that is always changing. That is a recipe for more uncertainty.

Freeing ourselves from the destructive cycle of compare and despair enables us to adopt a mindset centered on growth, gratitude, and self-acceptance.

How does this relate to your Career you ask?

When we compare and compete against everyone else, no one wants to help us.

When we compete against ourselves, everyone wants to help us.

?I'd love to hear from you. Drop your thoughts below.

And, if you want to navigate the complexities of the professional landscape with clarity, confidence, and purpose, I can help. Schedule a free strategy session where we will dig into your goals and what’s possible. Schedule with me HERE