Three Ways to Combat Comparison

Most of the women that I work with in my practice, whether they are counseling or coaching clients, have a tendency toward comparison. And let’s face it: in today’s world of social media, it’s difficult to avoid. If we spend any time at all on social media, it’s hard not to notice everyone’s “perfect lives.” If we’re not careful, comparison can show up in our souls—especially when we don’t realize it. Not only that, it leaves us feeling less than, anxious, and unworthy in the eyes of the world. 

Combating comparison and rooting it out of our lives is crucial to our mental, emotional, and physical health. You’re probably thinking: Sure, but how? 

Here’s the first step: celebrating. That’s why I want to give you three aspects of your life you can celebrate right now to kick comparison to the curb:

 1.     Celebrate your blessings.

What are you grateful for? Choosing to be grateful for where you are and what you have is the key to fighting comparison in our lives. You see, once you decide that who you are and what you have in life is enough, you begin to stop comparing. You begin to find contentment. No more of that “grass is greener” stuff! 

Celebrating your blessings is a mindset activity. Take some time each day to notice your thoughts. Are you living in past regrets or planning for future victories? It’s time we move from a scarcity mindset to a mindset of abundance. And that can only happen when you actively choose to be grateful for the blessings you have each and every day. 

This may be hard at first, but that’s not an excuse to be hard on yourself. Give yourself freedom and grace to learn and grow on your journey toward gratitude.  

2.     Celebrate your uniqueness.

I’m not sure if anyone has told you this lately, so I want to tell you now: you are unique. You have been created with purpose and have SO much to offer this world. There is not one other person in the world like you. You have your own unique fingerprint, heartbeat, and purpose to offer the world. 

I get it—it’s hard to celebrate your uniqueness when there are so many others out there with similar giftings, strengths, and desires as you. But that’s okay! It’s time to learn how to admire and celebrate others without devaluing yourself. 

I want to give you permission to take a break from the things that lead you to compare. For many of us, that thing is social media. When you’re struggling with comparison, social media only makes it worse. Take a break until you’ve got the hang of celebrating your own uniqueness, and then jump back in where you left off. We’ll be waiting for you! 

3.     Celebrate your purpose.         

“We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated by purpose.” -Bob Goff

I’ve talked about purpose before because it’s such an important part of living meaningful lives. When we are focused on our own purpose, we don’t even have the time to wander into the negativity of comparison. When we are running full speed ahead toward our purpose and the thing we’ve been uniquely created for, there’s no room for lack!

So . . . what’s your mission? 

Success comes when you start running in your lane, winning your own race. Once you’re running, you’ll stop worrying about the lanes around you. 

The moral of the story? Comparison can derail your hopes and dreams—especially if we let others' successes diminish ours. But guess what? Someone else’s success does not equate to your loss. Someone else’s victory doesn’t mean you are less than. You are you. 

And that is something to celebrate.

Which aspect of your life can you celebrate right now?

Tell me in the comments below!

You are amazing! Start living like it!

Kim Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Certified Life Professional Coach (CPLC) who loves helping others live their lives with passion and purpose. She lives with her husband and two teenagers outside of Nashville, in Franklin, Tennessee, where she loves seasons, rolling hills, and the warmth of the South. Follow Kim at www.kimanderson.life, on Instagram @kim_anderson_life, and on Facebook@ KimAndersonLifeCoachingto learn more about what she offers.