How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
You know that feeling when you scroll through Instagram or LinkedIn and suddenly feel like you’re not doing enough? Someone your age just got promoted. Someone else just launched their own business. And here you are, feeling stuck or unsure.
You’re not alone. We all do this.
This blog is going to help you stop comparing yourself to everyone else. It will give you tools to shift your focus back to your own progress, because that’s where real growth starts.
What Comparison Really Is
Comparison is when you measure your life, your career, or your success against someone else's. It usually happens automatically, and it rarely helps.
We compare looks. Money. Careers. Relationships. Confidence. Everything.
But here’s the thing: you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. It’s not fair. And it messes with your mindset.
Why It Matters
Constant comparison does a few harmful things:
It kills motivation
It makes you feel like you’re behind
It stops you from appreciating what you’ve already achieved
It leads to self-doubt and low confidence
And over time, it can leave you stuck. You start playing small because you believe you're not "there yet."
What to Watch Out For
Here are some red flags that comparison is holding you back:
You feel worse after going on social media
You downplay your own wins
You constantly feel like you’re not doing enough
You’re afraid to try because you might not be "as good"
If any of these sound familiar, that’s okay. It means you’re aware and that’s the first step to changing it.
What to Do Next
1. Mute the Noise
Start by controlling your inputs. If certain accounts make you feel behind, unfollow them. Follow people who inspire you without triggering you.
2. Focus on Your Lane
Write down where you were 6 months ago. What have you learned? What have you done? That’s your real competition – not someone else.
3. Set Your Own Metrics
Decide what success means for you. Not your mate from uni. Not your old boss. You.
That could be:
Doing work you enjoy
Having a good work-life balance
Growing your confidence or skills
4. Practice Gratitude
Each week, write down 3 things you’re proud of. It rewires your brain to look for your own progress instead of everyone else’s.
5. Talk to Someone
Sometimes comparison comes from not knowing where you're headed. A coach or mentor can help you focus, stay accountable, and build self-belief.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do what they’re doing. You don’t need to be where they are.
You just need to make progress in your direction.
Confidence grows when you stop looking sideways and start building forward.
If you’re stuck with this, feel free to message us. Happy to help.
Whether it’s building self-belief, changing careers, or just getting unstuck we support people through this every day at Thinkbridge Consulting.