Ah, comparison. It’s the little voice in our heads that tells us we’re not good enough. Whether it’s at work, in our relationships, or even in our fitness journey, comparison is a common culprit for stealing our joy.
When it comes to fitness and weight loss, comparison is especially sneaky. It’s easy to look at others who seem to have it all figured out and think “why can’t I be like that?”, “why can’t I have what they have, when I have a story too”, or “why am I not losing weight as fast as she is?”.
But here’s the thing: comparison is a trap. It’s a never-ending cycle of feeling like we’re not measuring up to some imaginary standard. And that’s not a healthy headspace to be in. Comparing your progress with that of others only leads to disappointment and can make you lose track of your own goals.
Instead of focusing on what others are doing, let’s focus on what WE are doing. Set goals that align with our own unique journey, and celebrate our progress no matter how small.
Let’s start with social media – the ultimate hub for comparisonitis. You scroll through Instagram and see fitness influencers with perfect physiques, flawlessly toned abs, and godlike biceps. Suddenly, your own progress seems pale in comparison, and you’re left with a feeling of inadequacy. But guess what? That photo is just a snapshot of their journey, just like yours. Behind the perfect pose lies countless hours of hard work, dedication, and discipline. Another downside to comparison is that it makes us forget the individuality of our bodies and lifestyles. We’re all different, with different points of our journies. Different shapes, different sizes, and different ages. Our progress will look different, our bodies will react differently, and we all have different starting points, and commitments outside of our fitness journey too. We all have a story, and not one is better than the other- They’re genuinely… just different.
Comparing ourselves to others is a slippery slope that can lead to negative self-talk, self-doubt, and even quitting our fitness journey altogether. Or even.. walking around with a chip on the shoulder. It’s time to ditch the comparisons and find your own definition of success. Focusing on our own progress and celebrating each small win is key to finding joy and success in our fitness journey. So let’s cheer ourselves on, embrace our unique journey, and remember that comparison is the thief of joy.
It’s not about being the thinnest or the strongest or the fittest person in the room. It’s not having to ‘prove ourselves’ to anybody except ourselves. It’s about being the best version of ourselves. It’s about finding joy in the process of self-improvement, not just the end goal. Self-improvement is a key to limiting that comparison component too. Like Rick Ross says ‘Diss records are hardly ever hit records’. In my experiences, working out for that ‘revenge body’, won’t yield lasting results once the chip fades away. Sure, it may drive you to some successes, but it’s hardly ever sustainable because it has to be for you.. it’s you against you. Always has been, always will be.
Here’s 5 things you can start doing today to ease the comparison bug:
- Stop stalking your high school nemesis on social media – Seriously, why are you still following them? Just hit unfollow and move on with your fabulous life.
- Remember that social media isn’t real life – People only post the highlight reels of their lives online. They’re not showing you the messy, unedited parts.
- Only compare yourself to your past self – The only person you should be trying to be better than is the person you were yesterday. Focus on your own growth, not someone else’s.
- Celebrate other people’s successes – Instead of feeling jealous and comparing yourself to others, try being genuinely happy for their successes. It’ll make you feel better and you might even learn something from their journey.
- Focus on your strengths – Instead of worrying about what other people are doing better than you, focus on what you’re good at. You have unique talents and abilities that no one else has, so celebrate them!
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-Christina
The Transformation Station 