With the Instagram/ TikTok/ digital age, it is so hard to keep up and not feel like you’re behind in life, your career, or behind on your goals. I totally get it, it’s so frustrating. I’ve been stuck in the comparison cycle before, especially while trying to grow my following on Instagram. Here are some things that have helped me in my journey of overcoming comparison.
Your feelings are valid
Once you realize you’re stuck in this comparison cycle, sit in it for a little while. Realize your feelings are completely valid, and feel yourself to feel them for a little bit of time. Set a timer, or give yourself the day, but try not to stay in the wallowing of comparison for too long. If you need to, journal it out. Write it down, work it out, but tell yourself after x amount of time, you’re done wallowing.
Realize your journey is different
I know, I know. No one wants to hear that it is just not your time yet or that you need to trust the timing of your life. But it’s true. Nothing is happening to you, everything is happening for you. Once you can accept that, the journey of overcoming comparison gets a whole lot easier. You may not be getting married right now like all of your friends, but what do you have in your life? Maybe you just got a huge promotion, or survived that personal issue you were growing through. Whatever it is, it’s the time for that, not for whatever else you want.
Write down your goals
A surefire way for me to get out of the comparison funk, is to write down all of my goals. Write them down, schedule deadlines, and break them down into small tasks where you can feel like you’re making progress. Make a plan to stay in your own lane, accomplish what you want, and manifest everything that you’ve been wanting.
Remember it’s a highlight reel
Again, another cliche but it is true. Instagram is a highlight reel and we have to remember that. I love the people that come on and share their life- good and bad. It’s easy to want to share only the good, but the people who share the bad too are my kind of people. Reevaluate who you are following and audit them. Do they make you feel bad with their “perfect” life? Unfollow. Do they post all the things you want and can’t have yet? Mute them. Make your online space only anything that makes you feel good about yourself.
Do you have any tips for overcoming comparison? Let me know in the comments below!