Dangers of Self-Comparison

The dangers of self-comparison are real and can be creativity killers. Here are some reasons why comparing ourselves to others is a game nobody wins.

Negative self-esteem. Constantly comparing ourselves to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and the perception that we’re falling short in comparison to others.

Increased anxiety and stress. Self-comparison on social media can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety and stress as we can feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards.

Impact on mental health. Excessive self-comparison can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety.

Decreased satisfaction with life. Constantly comparing our lives to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed on social media can lead to a decreased satisfaction with our own life.

Fear of taking risks. Excessive concern over our online image compared to others can hinder trying new things, authentic self-expression, and embracing new opportunities.

Separating Roles and Reality

Remember who you are. You’re the passion and personality that fuels your social media presence, but that public persona is still a role you’re playing and separate from your personal identity.

Schedule time for yourself. Prioritize self-care and leisure activities outside of work. Schedule regular breaks, exercise, hobbies, and time with loved ones to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Limit access. Create guidelines for when and how you engage with your audience and colleagues. Set boundaries around checking work-related emails and messages outside of designated work hours.

6 Ways to Conquer Comparison

Many of us recognize that social media portrays a highly curated version of people’s lives, but resisting the urge to compare ourselves can still be challenging.

Limit your social media time. Set time limits for social media usage each day to reduce the chance of excessive scrolling and comparison.

Curate your feed intentionally. Be mindful of who you follow. Unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings of comparison and instead follow those that inspire and uplift you.

Engage in a positive way. Leave positive comments and like posts that interest you.

Cultivate self-appreciation. Focus on your own unique strengths, talents, and achievements. Practicing gratitude and self-acceptance can counteract the urge to compare yourself to others.

Recognize edited realities. Remember that social media often portrays idealized versions of life. Avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic standards.

Engage authentically. Use social media as a platform for genuine connection and expression. Share your own experiences authentically to break the cycle of setting unrealistic standards for others.