I was talking to my oldest son one day and he told me that he was going to remove himself from a group chat he and his friends were a part of. When I asked him why, he told me that he was getting unhappy looking at all of the photos his friends shared when he wasn’t there.
He was comparing his present situation with the highlight reel of his friend’s life.
As solopreneurs, we might sometimes compare our progress, achievements, and even our happiness to that of others.
Comparison is a natural human tendency. We instinctively compare ourselves to others in various aspects of life, including our business ventures.
However, when left unchecked, this comparison can steal your joy, hinder your growth, and negatively impact your mental well-being. Here’s why:
- Unhealthy Focus on Others’ Success: When we compare ourselves to others, we tend to focus on their achievements and successes. This can create a sense of envy or inadequacy, leading to negative emotions such as self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even depression. Instead of focusing on your own progress and growth, you become fixated on what others are doing, leading to a lack of fulfillment and joy in your own journey.
- Unrealistic Standards: Social media and online platforms are often flooded with polished and curated images of success. However, these images may not always reflect the reality behind the scenes. Comparing yourself to others based on their online presence can create unrealistic standards and expectations for yourself. You may feel the pressure to achieve similar levels of success or portray a perfect image, which can be exhausting and demoralizing.
- Missed Opportunities: Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to missed opportunities. You end up being too focused on what others are doing or achieving, instead of pursuing your own unique ideas and opportunities. This can hinder your creativity, innovation, and growth as an entrepreneur, as you may feel the need to conform to what others are doing, rather than forging your own path.
Tips to Avoid the Comparison Trap
Thankfully, there are practical steps you can take to avoid falling into the comparison trap and maintain your joy and well-being.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Practicing gratitude can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have accomplished and appreciate in our own journey. Take time each day to reflect on your achievements, big or small, and express gratitude for them. This can help you develop a positive mindset and reduce the urge to compare yourself to others.
- Limit Social Media Consumption: Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison. Limit the time you spend on social media and be mindful of the accounts you follow. Unfollow accounts that trigger feelings of comparison or inadequacy and instead follow accounts that inspire and motivate you in a healthy way.
- Focus on Your Own Journey: Remember that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress and growth. Set meaningful goals and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Acknowledge that it’s normal to compare yourself to others, but also recognize that it’s not productive or healthy. Treat yourself with the same kindness and empathy you would offer to a friend who is struggling with comparison.
- Surround Yourself with Supportive Peers: Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs who can provide encouragement, motivation, and mentorship. Building a community of like-minded individuals can help you stay focused on your own journey and reduce the urge to compare yourself to others.
It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap and lose sight of your own progress and achievements.
However, remembering that your journey is uniquely your own will help you avoid the comparison trap and maintain your joy as an entrepreneur.
