“Comparison is the thief of joy.” As I read these words on a friends instagram (magdesignandpaperie), I took a deep breath. These words are true and they were a great reminder to me.
My journey through comparison has been an incredibly bumpy one. It’s been exhausting. I seem to get caught up in it’s tricky web way too often. I’m here today to tell you the ways that I have learned to cope with comparison (and avoid it’s tricky stick web). It’s definitely not easy and I still have to remind myself (often) of the very strategies I am sharing with you today. Just know that I have learned & have come to grips with the fact that it’s normal, it’s human nature, and like anything it’s how we handle it that makes the difference!!
Focus on YOU
If you can put on your blinders and truly get focused on what it is you are trying to achieve, this will help so much with comparison. As I was going through the journey of finding my “business” self, I got caught up in the comparison web way too many times. Once I put on my blinders and truly set out to find myself, I was able to compare less because my focus was on ME! I must warn you. It’s HARD work. You have to really harness the focus, but the rewards are so worth the work.
Avoid Following (stalking) Your Industry Peers
Yikes. It’s weird to say that out loud. For the record, I follow my industry peers. I follow them, I like them, and I encourage, uplift, and celebrate them! But I am not stalking them comparing their successes to my failures. I am able to do this because I conquered the “focus on me” part.
It’s a crazy awesome cycle. Once I focused on me I started to have my successes. Then I was super happy with myself and became a better industry peer. I was then able to follow my peers and be happy for their successes instead of comparing myself and my failures.
Can I also remind you that no matter how you are feeling, you should always be a good industry friend. Remember that these are your people! They are in the same boat as you are and can more than likely be the best kind of people to lean on when you are down. They get it. Remember, they might need you one day too!
Do Not Compare Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle
I have heard this quote so many times. I am so glad it exists!!! These are words I MUST remind myself of daily. Always keep in check where you are on your timeline. This is your timeline. This is your life. Why would we compare it to someone else’s?
Also consider that their situation could be way different from yours! I can speak from experience about this all to well. I have found myself comparing my situation to someone who is not similar to me at all. I had to stop and think, “What am I doing to myself.” I am driving myself crazy over this. One thing in particular is comparing myself to those who don’t have children. This is a big one for me because I know the amount of work I can accomplish without having a little one. I was a school teacher before having Noah. If I wanted to work 15 hours a day, I could. Now that I am a mom, my division of time is way different. I try to prioritize being a mom. Well, if you are in the same boat as me then you know it’s tough to grow your business while putting a priority on being a mom first. This is just the reality, and if you are ok with this then you also need to realize it’s going to take you longer to meet your goals. At least I’m assuming it will since most of your time would be spent being a mommy and not a business owner.
My ultimate point is to direct you back to the “Focus on YOU” part. I think that’s a big one to nail down for the sake of you, your family, your business, and your JOY!!
As you may know by now my best bud, Brittany, and I have teamed up to bring you the ultimate business workshop. Brittany and I have been able to foster a strong and fabulous relationship amongst the crazy business world. We are similar is so many ways, yet we have managed to keep comparison out of the picture. We love on each other, support, guide, and all of the above! We have realized we are stronger together than we are apart.
Our workshop is called GPS: Genuine Pursuit of Success. Comparison will definitely be a topic discussed during this workshop as it can be a major road block for our business growth. This workshop is about so much more too, so if you want to learn more CLICK HERE. Registration is open now and there are ONLY 5 spots left!!
If you are interested in learning a little more about our crazy friendship, then check out this little video below! You can be entertained by a little “white girl” rap!
Melissa Lynn Hunt and Brittany Lauren are Best Photographer Friends.
