How does the habit of comparing ourselves to others undermine our mental wellness?
At a glance
Comparing ourselves to others is possibly the worst thing we can do to ourselves and our mental well-being.
It creates an unprecedented amount of anxiety, overthinking and jealousy which affects not just our professional life but strains personal relationships as well.
Self-comparison is a habit that is causing many of us constant anxiety, insecurity and self-doubt. In today's world, where social media platforms offer a constant stream of images and posts that portray seemingly perfect lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparison. However, the habit of comparing ourselves to others can have a detrimental impact on our mental wellness.
My name is Leigh Stafford, and as a life coach based in Australia, I have helped countless individuals overcome their negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs. Through my experience, I have found that comparison is one of the most common and damaging habits that my clients struggle with. But I want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. I am here to offer you support, guidance, and practical strategies for overcoming comparison and creating a more fulfilling and authentic life. So let's dive in and explore how comparison is undermining your mental wellness and how we can work together to overcome this habit.
Why do we compare ourselves with others?
As humans, we are wired to compare ourselves to others as a means of survival. Throughout our evolutionary history, we needed to assess our relative status within our social groups to ensure that we had access to resources and opportunities for reproduction. This innate drive to compare ourselves to others is known as the social comparison theory.
Unfortunately, in the modern world, social media has amplified this habit of comparison to an unprecedented degree. We are constantly bombarded with images and posts that showcase the "highlight reel" of other people's lives, which can lead us to feel inadequate and insecure. It's important to recognise that social media is not a true representation of one's reality, and the people we are comparing ourselves to are also dealing with their own struggles and challenges.
As your life coach, I want you to know that it's okay to feel the urge to compare yourself to others. It's a natural tendency that we all have.
The negative consequences of comparison.
Negative self-comparison has a detrimental impact on our mental health. It may look like just another quirk we have, but not managing this habit can lead us down the route of self-sabotage and pervading discomfort. Below are some negative implications of comparison:
Anxiety and depression:
It can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression as we become overwhelmed with the sense that we don't measure up to others.
Low self-esteem and self-worth:
We may also develop low self-esteem and self-worth as we begin to believe that our own achievements and qualities pale in comparison to those of others.
Jealousy and resentment:
Jealousy and resentment can also arise from comparison, as we start to view others as a threat or competitor rather than a potential ally. This can lead to unhealthy competition and a sense of isolation and disconnection from those around us.
Limiting beliefs and self-sabotage:
Finally, comparison can create limiting beliefs and self-sabotage, as we convince ourselves that we are not capable of achieving the same level of success or happiness as those we are comparing ourselves to.
As a life coach in Australia, I understand the toll that comparison can take on your mental wellness. But I want you to know that these negative consequences are not permanent and that you have the power to break free from the cycle of comparison and cultivate a healthier sense of self.
In the next section, we'll explore strategies for breaking free from comparison and creating a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Strategies for breaking free from comparison.
Breaking free from the habit of comparison requires a conscious effort to shift our mindset towards a healthier perspective. Some strategies and mindsets that can help you break free from this negative habit of comparison are as follows:
Practising gratitude:
One effective strategy is practising gratitude, which involves focusing on the positive aspects of our lives rather than fixating on what we lack. By cultivating a sense of appreciation for what we have, we can learn to be more content and fulfilled in the present moment.
Focusing on our progress and setting realistic growth:
Another strategy is to focus on our progress and growth rather than comparing ourselves to others. By setting realistic goals and tracking our own progress, we can build a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that is not dependent on external validation.
Cultivating self-compassion and self-love:
Cultivating self-compassion and self-love is key to breaking free from comparison. When we treat ourselves with kindness and understanding rather than harsh self-criticism, we develop a positive feedback loop. By developing a sense of self-acceptance and self-love, we learn to value ourselves for who we are.
Limiting social media use:
Honestly, we don't need to get succumbed to this feeling of FOMO. By setting boundaries and limiting the amount of time we spend on social media, we can reduce our exposure to the highlight reel of others' lives and create more space for self-reflection and growth.
As a life coach in Australia, I can help you implement these strategies and create a personalised plan for breaking free from comparison and cultivating a more fulfilling and authentic life. Remember, comparing is a habit that can be overcome with time, patience, and support.
Final Words
By fixating on what others have or what we lack, we create a self-imposed cycle of anxiety, low self-esteem, jealousy, and unhealthy competition. This not only limits our own growth and progress but can also strain our relationships with others.
By understanding why we compare ourselves to others and the negative consequences of this habit, we can begin to implement strategies for cultivating a healthier sense of self. By practising gratitude, focusing on our progress and growth, cultivating self-compassion and self-love, and limiting social media use, we can break free from the habit of comparison and create a more fulfilling and authentic life.
As your life coach, I am committed to supporting you in this journey towards greater mental wellness, self-confidence, and joy. If you'd like to get an actionable plan for breaking away from this cycle, I highly recommend a free consultation session for you.
Let's work together to cultivate a mindset of abundance, gratitude, and self-love that will help you experience true happiness and well-being in all areas of your life.