How to stop comparing yourself to others
* Focus on whether you're improving ONLY compared to your past self, not someone else's past and present. You are your only metric. They are not your competition.
* Define success based on your own values instead of social expectations. It doesn’t matter if others find it impressive or awe-inducing. Do you like it? Are you happy with it? Are you proud to do it? Okay then. Always focus on building a life you genuinely enjoy rather than one that relies on the validation of strangers.
* Limit exposure to social media accounts that trigger unhealthy comparison.
* Keep a journal or simple log of your progress and know that lulls in growth are normal. Don’t expect to really judge your results until you’ve been doing something for maybe 1-3 years at least (depending on the pursuit).
* Don’t only allow yourself to feel pride when you hit major achievements, feel free to celebrate small things like doing something for 3 days in a row, doing it for 30 minute blocks consistently, etc. Be happy for yourself!!! Pat yourself on the back and say good job!!! Be your own source of praise and validation.
* Ask yourself what you can learn from others rather than what you lack. Be inspired, not jealous.
* Recognize that everyone starts from different circumstances and advantages and that they may be making good use of their starting point just as you can make good use of your starting point.
* Spend more time taking action toward your goals and less time monitoring others. If you spend an hour drawing and then an hour online feeling hurt by other peoples drawings, you should’ve been drawing for 2 hours and maybe you’d have something you’re proud of too.
* Practice gratitude for the opportunities, skills, and resources you already have. There are people behind you who can’t wait to be at your level, to have the tools/materials you own, and would love to be able to go to that class that isn’t available in their area.
* Stop assuming that someone else's success automatically means less success is available to you. Stop with the “there can only be one” mentality.
* Measure progress by consistency and effort, not by speed. If someone learns something in a year but it takes you 5 years, who cares? You both learned it, hooray!
* Study the habits behind someone's achievements. Have a students mindset and perhaps you can adopt some of their methods you may not have considered. Use others' success as evidence of what's possible.
* Acknowledge your strengths twice as often as you notice your weaknesses.
