Comparison. We’ve all been there. It can be so easy to slip into, especially with social media allowing us a close look into the lives of others. While social media is an amazing tool for inspiration and connection, it can also leave you discouraged and drained. With so many people on the Internet sharing their “wins” and next big projects, it can be difficult to recognize the great moments that are happening in our own lives. So how do we overcome the need to compare our lives to those around us? We’ve all heard Theodore Roosevelt’s incredible wise words that “comparison is truly the thief of joy,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Do you want to be standing on the other side of this quote? Joyful without comparing your every move to someone else?

Start with shifting your perspective. Recognize your own individuality and the value YOU bring to the table. Even if a million people are doing the same thing that you’re doing, show up authentically and believe in your own abilities. Friend, the Lord has gifted you with your own gifts and the world is just waiting for you to use them! The more you trust and have confidence in yourself and the gifts you have to offer, the less you’re inclined to compare yourself to others.

I also want to encourage you to take some time and map out your own goals and the impact that you want to create. You get to decide where you want you want to take your business, who you want to serve and the goals you want to achieve… no one else.

Another practical step? Increase your self-awareness and when you start to feel comparison creep in, call it out. Stop what you’re doing and speak truth and affirmation over yourself. Be your own personal hype man / woman in the walk of life you’re currently in. Get in the practice of writing or speaking gratitude over yourself to help you see all the good, simple or unique opportunities that are taking place. If you need to, step away from social media entirely for a day or two to just get rid of the noise and to realign with your own personal goals.

Believe it or not, another way to overcome comparison is by spending more time celebrating others! There is so much freedom when we can see the good that our friends + others are doing and we can authentically cheer them on without measuring ourselves up to them. There is enough room for everyone in the creative industry and we are all better together!

Lastly, it’s important to note that this is not a one-and-done fix. This journey looks different for everyone, so give yourself grace when moving through the peaks and valleys of life’s ever-changing moments. I hope these few strategies help you spend less time comparing yourself to others, allowing you more time to do what you were created to do.

I would love to hear what you do when feeling low and in the depths of comparison. Comment and share what has helped you most – you may be helping someone else through your own tips and tricks! We can walk this journey together and support one another as we start believing in the value we bring to those near and far.