Comparison Is the Enemy of Growth
It’s easier said than done, but comparing ourselves to others stops us from reaching our own potential. We might know it but we still fall for it, especially today.
In the Age of Social Media
One of the things I hate about social media is how it showcases only the highlights of someone’s life.
Take Instagram for example, when was the last time you saw someone post about a low moment or a photo of them crying? Probably close to never.
It started innocent, we all just wanted to share our happiest moments.
But slowly, our feeds turned into the best moments of someone else’s life.
And what happens when that’s all you see?
You unintentionally begin comparing your entire life to someone else’s highlight reel. You feel behind. You feel unlucky. You think, “Why am I the only one struggling?”
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Every one of us has fallen into this trap at least once and it doesn’t feel good. It pushes us into self-sabotage, and suddenly we’re spiraling for no real reason.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Illusion
Take Cristiano Ronaldo as an example, the most famous person on earth, one of the greatest footballers of all time and a billionaire.
It’s easy to dream about having his life.
But have you ever stopped to think if you’d be willing to put in the same years of dedication and sacrifice he did?
Look at how many professional players retire early. That alone tells you how extraordinary his commitment has been for decades. His journey is so unique and so demanding that no one got to where he is but him.
So if a footballer compares themselves to Ronaldo, all they’re doing is destroying their own path before it even begins.
The Cost of Comparison
Comparison puts a magnifying glass on everything you think you lack.
Instead of focusing on your progress, you start counting what others have that you don’t. You convince yourself that life is unfair. You begin questioning your timing.
Especially when it comes to people your age, some are married and some have kids, suddenly you feel like you’re falling behind.
It’s so easy to fall for it. But here’s the truth: life isn’t equal.
We all have different timing and comparison will only derail your growth.
When you admire someone’s success, you’re often admiring the visible tip of an iceberg not the years of work, pain, doubt, sacrifice and setbacks underneath.
Before you think “I deserve that,” ask yourself one question: am I willing to go through their journey? The whole thing and not just the ending?
What to Focus On Instead
Yourself, obviously. Focus on your journey, your timing, your growth.
See the cup half full (what you have) instead of half empty (what they have that you don’t).
If you believe in manifestation or the subconscious mind, use it to strengthen your self-belief instead of weakening it through comparison. Support your goals with positive thoughts, patience, and gratitude.
Everyone will eventually reach what’s meant for them but the fastest way to delay your blessings is by staring at someone else’s.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Me
I know my life might look exciting with all the travel and adventures but just like everyone else, I have my own struggles. And now more than ever, I believe in sharing that side too.
Part of why I started this newsletter was to share the full picture and not just the highlights. Because no one, not the most famous, not the richest or not the most powerful lives a perfect life.
We all have flaws and struggles but most of us just hide them.
If we saw the world through that lens, we’d have a lot more empathy toward each other and toward ourselves.
The Truth About Comparison
Most people don’t actually want the journey that led someone to success, they just want the success.
But you can’t skip the path just like no one can skip yours.
Social media doesn’t help, it glamorizes endings and hides the messy journey. And because of that, people get stuck believing they’re falling behind, when in reality, they’re still in the part no one posts about.
I’m personally trying to share more of my ups and downs, especially here because that’s what makes us truly human. I hope more people start doing the same.
Until then, your best bet is to stay on your lane, trust your timing and remind yourself:
Comparison is the enemy of growth. Focus on your story, not the one you’re scrolling through.