2 Ways Comparison Is Good for You

Written by

Karin Andrea Stephan

Entrepreneur, Senior Leader & Ecosystem Builder with a degrees in Music, Psychology, Digital Mgmt & Transformation. Co-founder of the Music Factory and Earkick. Life-long learner with a deep passion for people, mental health and outdoor sports.

Today, we’re diving into a hot topic that’s both a blessing and a curse: comparison. We’ve all experienced those moments when we compare ourselves to others and end up feeling inadequate or down in the dumps.

Comparison: Unhappy female holds curly hair of her companion, feels envy that she has luxurious wave hair.

The good news is that comparison doesn’t have to be the thief of joy. In fact, when you know how to deal with it, comparison can become a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.

So, let’s explore the ugly side of comparison, the beautiful side, and how you can shift your perspective to compare yourself to the only person that truly matters—you.

The Ugly Side: The Thief of Joy

Comparison can be a sneaky thief that steals away our happiness and self-confidence. It’s easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of comparing ourselves to others, whether it’s their looks, achievements, or social media presence. We start doubting our worth, thinking we fall short in some way.

Comparing ourselves to others is like comparing apples to oranges—it simply doesn’t make sense. Comparing our inside with somebody else’s outside only leads to pain and our worth and joy should never depend on how we measure up to someone else’s standards.

There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They both shine when it’s their time

Another driver of negative emotions caused by comparison is how often you compare yourself to others. Let’s check the science behind that.

Insta Vibes: Why Frequency Matters

Scrolling through other people’s positive Instagram posts can affect our emotions in completely different ways. According to a study, if you’re someone who often compares yourself to others, seeing those upbeat posts can make you feel less happy.

Although it’s totally normal for anyone to compare themselves to others because it helps to figure out who we are, be aware that constantly using social media to do so can distort your perception of reality. The pictures you see there are often edited and unrealistic, making you feel like your own accomplishments aren’t good enough and may affect your mental health.

Unhealthy comparison: sleepless young woman scrolling through social media on smartphone

On the other hand, if you don’t compare yourself much, those positive posts can actually boost your positive vibes. And it doesn’t stop there! You can even turn comparison into your strength. Read on.

The Beautiful Side: Reframing Comparison as Empowerment

Let’s shift our perspective and discover the power that lies within comparison.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday, last month, or even last year.

When you focus on your own growth and progress, you unlock the potential to become the best version of yourself. Embrace the beauty of your individual journey, the lessons you’ve learned, and the unique strengths that make you shine. Remember, there’s no one quite like you in this vast world, and that is something truly remarkable.

Comparing Yourself to Yourself: The Ultimate Power Move

In a world of constant comparison, let’s try a radical shift. Instead of looking around and sizing ourselves up against others, let’s turn the spotlight inward and focus on our own growth. Celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small.

Set personal achievable goals and strive to surpass them, not because you want to be better than someone else, but because you want to become the best version of yourself. It’s a journey of self-improvement, self-acceptance, and self-compassion..

You are on your own path, writing your own story, and there’s nothing more empowering than that. Embrace your uniqueness, love yourself fiercely, and remember that you are truly one in a million.

Compare yourself with yesterday’s you: young woman looking at her progress on the Earkick app

To make that healthy comparison with yourself easy, we developed the Earkick selfcare companion app. It not only helps you keep track of your mental health but also helps you establish healthy routines and [track your progress](/content/technologies/ ""/index.html) effortlessly. Check it out and start making comparison work for – not against- you.

Now that you know how, stop scrolling and go let your light shine bright. You’ve got this!