21 February 2023

How much time do you spend wanting what other people have? Whenever you scroll through social media feeds, do you feel a little envy and fall into the comparison trap? Simply doing this daily, you may experience regret and longing instead of embracing who you are. Stop playing the comparison game with the help of these nine tips to get you moving in the right direction.

1.    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 three things you are grateful for daily. Then, refer back to the list when you are struggling.

2.    Celebrate 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.

3.    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.

4.    Set Boundaries for Viewing Social Media 

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, set a timer, and shut off your phone during dinner. Make it a habit to turn your phone to silent one hour before bedtime. In short, learn to be deliberate about your consumption.

5.    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 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. 

6.    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.

7.    Learn Your 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 or when to avoid people, places, and activities.

8.    Acknowledge Where You Are

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.

9.    Focus on Your Strengths

One issue with comparing yourself to others is that you overlook your 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. 

FAST-ACTION STEPS

1.    Choose to practice gratitude daily. Grab a notebook or open a note on your computer and write down three things you are grateful for. The goal is to do this daily and review weekly. 

2.    Purge the people and businesses you follow on social media or email lists. Choose those that offer valuable insight that helps you achieve your goals and eliminate the rest.

3.    Take 15 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your strengths. Then write them down and review them regularly to reinforce who you are.

4.    Use a self-growth and development app like ‘GrowthDay’ that helps you to grow as a person and raise your personal level of happiness and drive as you learn from the trainers. The GrowthDay app also has a fantastic personal journaling feature and daily/weekly/monthly self-scoring analysis you can do to see your personal progress. An excellent place to start as well.