Whether it be the Explore page on Instagram or a star-studded movie, there seems to be no shortage of places and situations that cause us to start comparing ourselves to others. It’s a slippery slope that can lead to negative self talk, feeling bad about ourselves, and ultimately low self-esteem.
So what can we do to take a more positive, productive mindset when it comes to our perceptions about others, and ourselves? Here are a few ways.
#1. Reduce the clutter.
As I mention in my post How to Use Social Media the Right Way, most of us can benefit from unfollowing accounts that make us feel bad about ourselves.
This includes people you know, people you don’t know, celebrities, companies, and brands. And it includes accounts you may have found inspiring in the past.
Even seemingly innocuous accounts may need to go on the chopping block. A food blogger’s perfect feed may make you feel bad about not preparing delicious home cooked meals every night at your house. A home decor Instagram account may make you feel like your home isn’t good enough.
By no means should you be seeking out reasons to unfollow accounts, but as you browse through the list of who you follow, do so with an open mind to unfollowing any account that causes a negative mindset.
You’ll be surprised at how much more positive and uplifting your social media browsing will be.
#2. Recognize that you’re only seeing the highlights.
One of the most powerful realizations I’ve had is that people only really put out a highlight reel of their lives, especially on social media. And when you think about it, most of us do the same thing too.
Instagram doesn’t show our latest pimple, the fight we had with our partner, or the hateful things our inner mean girl is telling ourselves. And Facebook doesn’t show our struggles with anxiety or that night we cried for 3 hours straight.
Yet still, we tend to compare our normal to someone else’s best.
In other words, we compare our view of ourselves with someone’s curated feed. We’re comparing ourselves to something that isn’t even the full picture.
Once you realize that, it becomes a bit easier to reconcile our daily lives with the highlights that surround us.
#3. Get off social media.
Do you ever find that the days of comparison spirals coincide with more time spent on social media? I definitely do. It seems like the more time I spend on my phone, the unhappier I am. Even with a cleaned up following list, I still undoubtedly start feeling like my life isn’t as exciting, cool, successful, or fulfilling than everyone else’s. It zaps my energy and leaves me feeling down.
Instead, put your phone down! Read a book, spend some time outside, connect with your partner, friends, or family. Break the cycle and take charge of what type of energy you’re consuming and creating.
#4. Boost your own self esteem.
Arguably the best way to deal with comparing ourselves to others is to boost our perception of ourselves. By improving our self esteem, we’re less likely to fall into the trap of letting others’ perceived success make us feel bad.
For some solid ideas on how to do this, check out my post 5 Confidence Building Activities You Need to Try Today. In it, I share scientifically-proven tips to boost your confidence fast straight from my book, The Confidence Toolkit. Grab the first chapter for free today when you sign up below.
If you struggle with comparing yourself to others, have you tried any of these strategies? And what advice do you have for shifting your mindset?
Leave a comment and let us know!
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