How do you stop comparing yourself to others?
In this video, I'll share with you 10 ways to stop the comparison cycle so you can live your life to the fullest!
Teddy Roosevelt once said comparison is the thief of joy.
We have 24/7, around-the-clock access to the world's highlight reel right here on our phones by simply scrolling through social media.
All you have to do is click on Facebook or Instagram and you can see everybody's best at any time. Social media feeds never turn off.
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
The brain compares subconsciously. It's a natural way to learn more about yourself and what you're good at and what you're not good at.
It's a way to further identify who you are and that's okay from a natural subconscious perspective. However, when it becomes obsessive, conscious, and toxic, that's where the challenge lies.
How does comparing yourself to others impact you?
Honestly, it comes at a cost. It can lead to overspending and buying things you don't even want to impress people that, quite frankly, you don't even like.
It can cause mental health challenges like an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and obsessive negative thinking.
And, of course, you can obsess over the fear of missing out. Why am I not at this event? What did I miss when I wasn't there? This can mess with your mental psyche.
With this in mind here are 10 ways to stop comparing yourself to others.
1) Identify your priorities
Take a step back and think about the last time you saw somebody that you were envious or jealous of. Now identify and evaluate your priorities. Was what you were fixated on even matter?
Do not lose focus of your priorities and be happy for those that are advancing in their lives.
2) Focus on your strengths
We all have strengths and weaknesses. Some strengths come naturally while others require effort. On the other hand, weaknesses are areas we all want to improve upon.
If somebody else is really really good at something that you're not, it’s easy to get insecure about it. Plus, it’s a sure-fire way to get into a comparison conundrum.
Focus on your strengths and surround yourself with people that help support your weaknesses. You can improve your weaknesses over time but don't obsess over them.
3) Document your achievements
Document your achievements in a list and keep them handy.
When you start to feel like you're comparing yourself to others and you feel insecure, refer back to the wins you’ve had in your life.
Nobody can be you better than you.
Take the time to remind yourself of all the things that you've accomplished. It'll keep you grounded and focused on yourself instead of worrying about other people.
4) Practice gratitude and self care
This world is a tough place. You are your own worst critic so be kind to yourself.
Take time to practice self-care, appreciate the little things, and understand that we're all given different strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
5) Embrace contentment and your uniqueness
I'm not saying don't set goals and aspirations.
However, I will say that over time learning how to be content with what you have in your life is an absolutely amazing thing.
It's easy to sit there and get caught up in keeping up with the Joneses mentality.
It's easy to look at all those around you and see what they have going on and want their lives.
Reflect back and embrace what you have going on in your own world. You'll be grateful for what you have and slowly stop comparing yourselves to others.
6) Identify and avoid your triggers
There are certain people or places that lead us to a comparison trap.
If you know one of your neighbors is a selfish, bragging person, avoid spending time with them.
If you know that trendy gym in town where everybody's the same shape/size and has amazing careers that make you self-conscious, avoid it.
Of course, there are certain social media platforms that once you open the app you start comparing and you get on a vicious spiral. Once you get off, you realize you don't feel any better. In fact, oftentimes you feel significantly worse and just wasted a lot of time.
7) Celebrate other people's wins
You can't achieve and do everything in this world. When people are having success, celebrate them instead of comparing and feeling self-conscious.
You'll feel so much better. Plus, supporting others is a good thing to do.
8) Compete with yourself instead of others
Compete with yourself to get better every single day.
For example, when you're working, start tracking your performance. Start timing yourself on how long it takes you to run a mile and aim to improve each run.
Self-improvement comes by competing with yourself and focusing on how you can improve yourself every single day.
9) Limit your time on social media
We all spend time on social media. While it’s important for growth and learning, there are certain aspects of social media that can cause you to compare yourself to others.
Remember, social media is everybody's highlight reel. You're getting everyone's best every time you log in.
Plus, social media companies are all about keeping you on their platform so they can monetize. Limit your time on these platforms to avoid comparison traps.
10) Understand comparing is a never-ending process
Once you get into the rat race of comparing yourself to others you'll find there are endless things you compare yourself on.
Find a way to stop comparing and be content with your life. I promise you will be so much happier when you do!
Final thoughts
Comparison is natural at the subconscious level. But when it becomes a chronic habit, it can turn into a big problem.
What are some steps you're taking to break the comparison cycle? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next video where we can reflect and grow stronger together.
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