?? ?? How to Use Comparison to Ignite Your Growth

We've all done it. I'm definitely guilty of it.?

I'm talking about comparison. I typically fall into the trap when it comes to work-related stuff, where I can admittedly be hyper-competitive. This competitiveness and desire to succeed often mean that I compare myself to markers like followers, clicks, comments, credentials, and even intellect. ?

Yup, it's true. I can be super hard on myself feeling like it's never enough. But, hey, I'm working on it. To quote George Mumford, "I'm a recovering perfectionist."

The other day I spent some time digging into comparison for a new article I wrote. (If you want to dive deep on the topic, you can read it here.)

But here's something that surprised me. Comparison can?hurt your performance and mental health, but it can be used as a tool for growth.?

When used mindfully, comparison doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Healthy comparison can motivate you, highlight areas for improvement, and serve as a learning tool.?

Here’s how comparison can benefit you:

• Motivation: Seeing others succeed can be a reminder of what’s possible with consistent effort and dedication. It’s very common for athletes with natural talent to not train as hard as someone who is considered an underdog. I’m reminded of the story of Michael Jordan being cut from his high school team and how that drove him to work during the summer when other players weren’t training. We know how that story ends.
• Insight into Your Weaknesses: Watching others can show you where you need to improve. Instead of feeling threatened, use this as an opportunity to refine your skills. Continue to grow your skillset. Ask for help from mentors who can help pinpoint areas you can improve. This is the difference in why individuals have incredible success. They are always open and they never stop learning. They don't have an ego in admitting when they don't know something because they know that remaining open and saying "I don't know" is the first step to new levels of growth
• Benchmarking for Growth: Healthy comparison can help you create benchmarks for your own development. Use others’ success as inspiration rather than competition, and focus on applying the lessons you learn to your own path. Create your goals not to match what someone else is doing, but to propel yourself into what you're capable of.?

?1 Initiative to Try This Week

Practice Getting into a Growth Mindset

Have you ever started your day feeling like you’re already behind and worried that you won’t be able to do enough? Maybe it feels like you’ll never catch up. Start your day with the intention of getting your mindset into growth mode with these three steps.?

1. List five things you are grateful for.?
2. Accept that you are doing your best. Give yourself permission to push past limits with courage, but to also accept that you can only accomplish so much on any given day. Remember, a small improvement is still an improvement.
3. Set an intention for your day and visualize yourself applying it throughout the day.

Athlete Mental Health Quote of the Week

“Taking care of myself is not just about me. It’s about creating a stable, healthy environment for everyone around me. So, I try to be really mindful about setting aside time for myself, whether that’s through therapy, meditation, exercise, or even just taking a few minutes to clear my head. It’s important for me to be present, not just physically but emotionally, for my daughter, and that starts with making sure I’m in the right headspace.”

– Kevin Love

Affirmations of the Week

• I am unique, and my journey is my own.
• I celebrate my progress, knowing it is exactly what I need.
• I trust my path and embrace my personal growth.
• I release the need to compare myself to others; I focus on my strengths.
• I am worthy of success, regardless of anyone else’s achievements.
• My value is not determined by the accomplishments of others.
• I choose to honor my individuality and the progress I make each day.
• I trust the timing of my life and where I am right now.
• I am proud of who I am becoming and the steps I am taking.
• I focus on my own goals and trust that they will unfold in perfect timing.

This Week on Bailey and Buck Unplugged

Celebrity Chef CC Pean joins us on this empowering episode to share her secrets to working with stars like Will Smith, Russell Simmons, Maria Shriver, and Alvin Kamara; the incredibly inspiring way she got her start as a private chef; why she says food is both physically and mentally healing; and how she navigates the mental health challenge of social anxiety in her career and day-to-day life.?

Stay Tuned for More Upcoming Guests:

11/18 -?Radmila Lolly

11/25 - Brian Nolan

12/2 -?Edgerrin James

12/9 - Jason Jackson

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