The Comparison Game and Why to Quit
Blue North
We tip the scales in favor of brilliant, hard-working folks looking to create and grow businesses in Northern Kentucky.
Hi there, founders! Dr. Ehlinger here with the Resilience Accelerator. As a founder in a competitive and dynamic landscape, it’s easy to find yourself comparing your progress to that of others. And while this can sometimes help to motivate us, too much social comparison can harm your self-esteem, leading to feelings of inadequacy and decreased productivity. Today we’ll talk about some of the psychological effects of social comparison on founders and what to do to re-focus on personal growth.
Social comparison theory says that people determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others - and founders are particularly vulnerable. In the startup world, success metrics are often publicly celebrated. Funding announcements, user milestones, and high-profile partnerships are shared widely, creating a constant stream of comparative data. Social media and press releases tend to showcase the best moments of a company’s journey, omitting the struggles and failures. This highlight reel ultimately presents an unrealistic standard of success that founders may feel pressured to emulate. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, founders have a deep personal connection to their startups. This intertwining of personal identity and business success can amplify the impact of social comparison on self-esteem.
An overemphasis on others’ achievements can create a distorted perception of your own success. This can create a detrimental cycle where your self-worth becomes tethered to external benchmarks rather than your intrinsic values and accomplishments. On a personal level, social comparison comes at a cost. Constantly measuring yourself against more successful peers can eat away at your confidence. You might begin to perceive your efforts as insufficient - questioning your abilities and decisions, which can ultimately hinder your capacity to lead effectively and make sound business decisions. Too often, we get pulled into decision-making paralysis, where we second-guess our strategies and make impulsive decisions that aren’t aligned with the company’s vision or market needs. Additionally, comparison mindset can lead to chronic stress and anxiety - and we know that can manifest in physical health issues like insomnia, hypertension, or GI issues.
So how can we step outside of this vortex? Define what success means for you and your company - clear, achievable goals based on your vision and resources. Resist the temptation to adjust these goals based on others, and make changes based on your personal progress and the relevant business landscape to your company. We’ve talked about gratitude before, and it bears repeating - cultivate a habit of acknowledging and appreciating your accomplishments, no matter how small. It pays off to shift focus from what’s missing to what’s already been achieved. It’s also wise to be mindful of the media you consume. If certain platforms or news sources lead to social comparison thoughts and anxiety, you might consider limiting your exposure. Curate your information diet to include content that is inspiring and educational rather than stress-inducing. If feelings of inadequacy or anxiety become overwhelming, consider speaking to a mental health professional. Therapy can help you find personal strategies to manage stress, improve self-esteem, and work towards the mindset you want to adopt.
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It’s only natural to compare ourselves to others, but for startup founders, it can be a double-edged sword. Too much can undermine our efforts and get in the way of progress. Remember that every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and shaped by different challenges, resources, and timelines. Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination, but a personal endeavor defined by your values and goals. Embracing your path with confidence and self-compassion will pay off in spades. Talk to you guys next month!
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Entreprenuer/Confectioneer/Champion of Curiosity
3 个月It's so hard to remember that it doesn't matter if someone else's business looks like it's doing better. It's more important to celebrate their wins but keep your eye on your prize and not get distracted by comparing. Thanks, I needed this today!