How to Stay Motivated and Overcome Comparison
Motivation is the force that propels us towards our goals and helps us achieve what we are capable of. Whether you're fighting through a tough period or simply wanting to stay on track, motivation can be a tricky thing to come by. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and overcome the comparison trap.
1. Compare Your Current Self to Your Past Self
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to compare your current self to your past self. Even if your health or financial situation might be better than in the past, you have more experience and a broader perspective. Reflect on how this experience has enriched your life and made you a more interesting person. Ponder how your past experiences have equipped you with skills and wisdom that can be applied now.
2. Consider the Most Important Things in Life
Is your job title, car, or physique the most significant aspect of your life? Often, what we strive for in life is not what defines us. Instead, focus on the kind of person you want to be. As Maya Angelou said, 'I’ve learned that people will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel.' Strive to be the person who makes others feel better, rather than the person with the best possessions, looks, or achievements.
3. Recognize Your Unique Talents
Everyone has unique talents and strengths. Some things come more naturally to you than others. Appreciate the gifts you are blessed with. Even if you need to work harder in a given area, remember that you still have value. Recognize that you have the potential to grow and improve in all aspects of your life.
4. Be Selective About the Content You Consume
The content we consume can greatly impact our mood and motivation. If following certain social media accounts or other media makes you feel bad, unfollow and unsubscribe from them. Just as inhaling toxic air hurts your body, taking in content that makes you feel bad harms your emotional and mental well-being. You have control over what you read and see. If you have FOMO, try limiting what you take in for a week. You'll find that life continues as it should!
5. Laser Focus on Your Goals
Get clear about what you actually want to achieve. You only have a limited number of hours in a day, so focus your energy on the goals that matter most to you. Say no to other goals that may be distracting or not align with your main objectives. If your goal is to finish a 5k race, don't compare yourself to someone training for their 20th race. Stay focused on your own journey.
6. Distract Yourself
Is it really worth your mental energy to compare yourself to someone else? You are in charge of your own attention. To stop ruminating on the comparison, occupy your thoughts with something that makes you feel good. Consider the phrase ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ and reflect on it with a different perspective: ‘the grass is greener where you water it.’ Spend time on the things that bring you joy rather than imagining how much better your life would be under different conditions.
7. Practice Gratitude
Focusing on what you already have rather than what you lack can help you stay motivated. A regular gratitude practice has been shown to fight depression by shifting your focus away from negative emotions like resentment and envy. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for, and you'll find it easier to maintain a positive outlook.
8. Reframe How You Think About Envy
Envy is often seen as a negative trait, but it can also be beneficial. It can show you what you really desire and help you identify areas for improvement. When you feel envious of someone, take a moment to recognize the emotion and consider what it's telling you about yourself. Instead of focusing on the other person, use the feeling of envy as a motivator to achieve your own goals.
9. Appreciate the Difference Between Beginner and Expert
When you see someone's success, you only see a moment of glory. Behind every success is a journey filled with hard work, energy, and obstacles. It's important to remember that it takes time and patience to achieve mastery. As Jon Acuff said, 'Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.' Recognize that it's okay to be a beginner and that progress is made one step at a time. This perspective can help you avoid the comparison trap and maintain motivation.
10. Celebrate the Success of Others
The sign of true growth is being able to be genuinely happy for someone else's success without passing judgment. However, changing this mindset takes practice. Start by encouraging someone whose goals are different from your own. As you help others reach their goals, you'll learn how to be happy for others and apply those positive messages to your own life. This practice can help you stay focused on your own journey and maintain motivation.