Comparing Yourself Is a Waste of Energy
And what to do instead….
"Don’t compare yourself to others." Yeah, ok… easier said than done!
It’s advice we’ve all heard, but let’s be real—avoiding comparison is no easy task. In today’s world, it feels almost automatic. Whether it’s your finances, fitness, career, or relationships, it’s natural to look around and wonder why someone else seems to be further ahead.
But here’s the thing: you can’t compare outcomes without understanding the circumstances that led to those outcomes. And even then, comparisons are rarely helpful.
Why Comparisons Don’t Add Up
Most of the time, you don’t know the full story. Social media? It’s a highlight reel—people show you what they want you to see. Friends and family? They often share snippets of their successes while leaving out the struggles. The glossy highlights are rarely the full picture.
Beyond that, so many unseen factors shape someone’s success. Here are just a few:
Socioeconomic Background: Where and how someone was raised impacts their opportunities and challenges.
Location: Access to education, healthcare, jobs, and financial systems often depends on where you live.
Gender and Identity: Cultural expectations, societal norms, and biases can affect earning potential and access to opportunities.
Life Events and Timing: Unexpected events—like illness, redundancy, or inheritance—can create setbacks or advantages.
It’s like comparing apples and oranges. For instance, measuring your financial journey against someone who inherited wealth ignores the entirely different starting points. The same goes for comparing your fitness progress to someone with years of experience. You’re not seeing the time, habits, or resources they’ve invested behind the scenes.
Stay Focused on Your Path
Rather than comparing yourself to others, shift the focus inward. Ask yourself:
What are my goals? What do I want to achieve, regardless of what others are doing?
What are my circumstances? What challenges and strengths do I bring to the table?
What progress have I made? Celebrate your wins—no matter how small they may seem compared to others.
Comparison steals energy you could use to move forward. Redirecting that energy to your own progress is far more empowering and productive.
The Truth About Success
Here’s the reality: the success you admire in others often stems from years of effort, different starting points, and circumstances you might not fully understand. Social media, in particular, paints an incomplete and overly polished picture.
Instead of comparing, let others’ achievements inspire you. They’re proof that with the right mindset, strategy, and persistence, you can also reach your goals.
Ultimately, the only comparison that truly matters is the one between the person you were yesterday and the person you’re becoming.
Progress—not perfection—is the foundation of lasting success.
Ready to focus on your journey? Take our “How Financially Fit Am I?” quiz or book a free 15-minute call to explore how we can help you move forward.