How to stop comparing yourself to others

Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.

Albert Einstein

We have all been there and most of us deal with this on a daily basis. The first step to deal with this for good is to identify this. We always compare the worst of us to the best of someone else. It is extremely unfair. It can only lead to resentment towards yourself or others and it is a complete thief of joy.

Everyone has their our journey. One of the things that is not taught in school is to work through failure and comparison. We compare ourselves to a colleague at work, or to fitness instructor, or to a elite athlete, or even siblings and friends. No two people have similar talents, work ethics, and background. Here are 5 strategies on how to deal with your mind when it keeps pulling your down by comparing you to someone else –

1. Gratitude – Write down three things you are grateful for every morning. Sometimes we get caught up in the small things that are so miniscule in the larger scheme of things.
2. Celebrate your successes – Your successes are yours. Look how far you’ve come.
3. Social media detox – In this day and age – our social media pretty much controls our moods. This last week I have been on a binge and have really seen the difference in my mood. PS – everyone comes out feeling like they are overweight, not enough money to travel and have accomplished nothing in life. No one comes out feeling good and you have lost an hour of the day to it. Take a little hiatus. Slowly wean yourself out of checking for likes, new stories, and news. I am going to try to do this this week.
4. Take a walk – A run outside, walk, or going to the gym will change your mood considerably and give you a new perspective.
5. Remove toxic relationships – If you feel like there is constant comparison and one ups and it is just making you feel bad about yourself, maybe it’s time to cut off the toxicity. Be honest with them and tell them you need some space away from them. Try nurturing only positive relationships around you.

Do this for you and for no one else. Your life is a gift. It doesn’t matter if your peers spent $200,000 at their wedding, live in a chateau, and already have 2 kids. It doesn’t mean you have to too. There is no right time. Everyone has their own timeline.

Have you guys ever felt that you were getting into the comparison game? Share your stories with me.