10 January 2023

Have you heard of the idiom ‘Keeping Up With the Joneses’? It’s a term that refers to one spending time wanting what other people have. Whenever you scroll through social media feeds, do you feel a little envy and fall into the comparison trap? Doing this very thing causes you to judge things moment by moment and post by post. It’s not a good habit at all and a time waster too. If you don't rein it in, you may experience regret and longing instead of embracing who you are. Stop playing the comparison game. Live a life of intention by allowing yourself to experience these nine things below to live a happier quality of life and experience true personal growth.

It’s Important to Practice Gratitude

We all have something we can be grateful for. The trick is teaching yourself to recognise the good things in your own life. One way to practice gratitude is to write down three things you are grateful for daily. Then, refer back to the list when you are struggling.

Happiness is Found in Celebrating Others' Accomplishments

Often, people fail to cheer on the accomplishments of a friend genuinely. Why? If you fall into this category, it may be out of envy or feelings of discontentment. Try celebrating their hard work with them while you keep moving forward with your dreams.

Want to Win? Then Compete with Yourself, Not Others

Instead of competing with others, take a long look at your goals. Review where you started and compare it to where you are now. Look at how you have grown professionally and personally. It gives you a new perspective to embrace and enjoy.

Set Boundaries for Viewing Social Media as a Daily Habit

Checking social media too much affects your mental well-being. Instead of getting sucked into a "doomscroll," proactively set boundaries to viewing. For example, unfollow accounts that don’t serve you any longer, set a timer, and shut off your phone during dinner. In short, learn to be deliberate about your consumption.

Take a Break and Fast from Social Media 

It isn't easy to be content with your life if you continually compare yourself to others on social media. If setting limits as noted previously isn't working for you, it may be time to take drastic measures—take a fast. Shut off all of your social accounts and unsubscribe from emails. Use that recouped time to count your blessings. 

How to Use Comparison as a Motivator 

A little comparison can motivate you to make changes in your life. When you see someone doing something you'd like to try, don't get stuck in Envy-Ville. Use their example as inspiration and see how you can replicate their actions. If you are within close proximity to that person or people, make a point of going and asking about how to get started in what they are doing for yourself.

Learn Your Emotional Triggers    

We all have triggers that lead to certain emotions, such as sadness and cynicism. For some, it's social media or diving down rabbit holes on the internet. For others, it can be specific toxic relationships. Learning what triggers you will help you learn how to engage more positively with others or when to avoid certain types of people, places, and activities.

Acknowledge to Yourself How You are Doing

It's helpful to stop and admit where you are and how you are doing. Once you come to peace with it, you are in a position to change things. You can make the necessary changes to achieve the life you seek instead of getting stuck vying for someone else's.

Focus on Your Strengths, not Weaknesses

One issue with comparing yourself to others is that you overlook your personal strengths and good qualities. Take some time to list out your strengths. Writing them down gives you a reference for those times you get stuck in the comparison game. 

Using some of the techniques above is a great way to start your year on a positive roll. By preventing from the very start the very habits that hold you back or take you off track to happiness and growth, gives you back your personal power and gives you back your ability to take control of your life. Make this year the year where you can say to yourself “I take control back and give myself permission to experience growth and positive change in my life”.