I’ve been finding myself slipping in and out of a bit of a funk recently. Part of it is that I feel like I’m right in the middle of a plateau. Not really in terms of goals, more in terms of personal growth. I typically like plateaus. Back in my rowing days, a plateau was where all the underground work or I guess foundational work would happen. They were frustrating, sure, but when you were out of that plateau it was like chia-pet growth overnight.
I’m pretty in tune with myself and my work to know what I feel like when I’m in one of these plateau periods. If I normally embrace it, what is the issue causing me to fall into a funk? Comparison!
I think a little bit of comparison is okay, but for the most part, I think everyone is different. What works for one person might not work for the other. I’m trying to remind myself of this daily. It is, of course, easier said than done.
My yoga classes have been such a good reminder of this for me. I know you’re not supposed to look around the room, instead focusing inward. However, I can’t help it. I like to peek and observe. I find it incredibly fascinating how different everyone’s bodies are– not in appearance but in capabilities. Because I tend to look at other people, I can also tend to get down on myself for not being able to do something the woman next to me can do. She might be doing a full split one minute which I am the farthest from and not able to do something that naturally feels easier to me. We’re different!
Comparison is rarely fair. The problem is that it’s so easy and so tempting to do.
Especially in a world of social media it can be easy to compare every element of your life to just about every person you’ve ever met– including people you don’t know! It’s a dangerous place out there if you have the tendency to compare yourself to others.
Unless you plan on holing up somewhere and avoiding reality, the possibility to compare will always be there.
My strategy to combat this comparison curse is twofold. I start by remembering my yoga classes so I can reassure myself that everyone is different, everyone has their own strengths, and everyone has their own weaknesses. Then, I focus as best I can on my strengths and how I can improve and work on my weaknesses.
xoxo
Comparing can get you. I agree, I think it's good when a little comparison can lead to some inner-growth and thought. Too much comparison can be bad, though. Everyone is different. I find this very true in the blogging world…Everyone's blog is different and everyone's style is different. Sometimes I can't help but want others', especially when they have a wider audience.
Thanks for the lovely post xx
Brooke | brookewrote
This is so true! Comparisons are a true curse but we all do them. I find myself doing them in college more and more. With the summer job hunt on the way its easy to compare yourself to others and think what you could have done better to get their job etc. In the end, I think it comes down to confidence. If you are proud of who you are and the effort you put into your work, then what you do should be enough. Being self confident decreases the amount you compare yourself to those around you.
Annie N Belle
Great post! The best person you can ever be is you! And you're doing an amazing job!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I also struggle with the same idea of comparision, especially when it comes to athletics and school. Similar to what you noted above, I find it important to remember that we're all on personal path of sorts, and what others are doing should't impact our own personal progress!
Emily
simpylemilyl.blogpsot.com
It's so easy to look at other people's highlight reels when you're stuck staring at your own bloopers – especially online, where everyone can curate sort of perfect appearances. Thank you for sharing this!!
I can so relate to you right now. Most of the time I am able to concentrate on just my growth as a person and usually don't fall into the comparison trap; but it is an easy one to fall into. I just remind myself that everyone has something they wish they were better at and I am happy with my life and where I am at overall.
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Its so easy to fall into comparisons, but its important to remember that we are each on our own journey!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Love this post! Such important things to keep in mind.
xo
Alex | Mrs. Mason Dixon
this is so important! i had a little section about this in my last blog post. it's really important to realize that everyone's unique. just because one person is at a certain doesn't mean that you are worse or better off than they are. it's really hard but also crucial to focus on your personal path and not get down by looking at others!
heyimhillary.blogspot.ca
I am definitely my worst enemy – I constantly catch myself thinking about things other people are doing, how other people won this or that, etc. It's so hard to get out of it but I'm working on it!
xx, Mikkaela
The Southwestern Prepster