Comparisonitis – How easy is it as a business owner to get too stuck in your own head? Does this happen to you?
I can sometimes find myself in a cycle of mindlessly scrolling, too much time passes, I am then too distracted to focus & the mind gremlins have moved in.
By the time I get to work on something, I can easily have talked myself out of it based on what everyone else seems to be doing.
As entrepreneurs, we often face our own set of uncertainties that come with running our own businesses. From financial concerns to impostor syndrome, it’s easy to feel like we’re not measuring up to our colleagues or competition.
But what if I told you that one of the main reasons we suffer with insecurity is that we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel? It’s true. When we’re continuously looking at other peoples social media feeds, dazzling marketing initiatives & graphics, and seemingly endless stream of clients or connections, it’s easy to start questioning yourself.
The truth is, every business and every person behind that business, has their own set of challenges and struggles, even if they’re not always visible to the outside world. And when we compare ourselves to others, we don’t just do ourself a disservice, but it also affects growth and potential.
This area comes up frequently when I work with clients, and is very common when you run a business. When we work together on this area, I love seeing people almost released from what has been holding them back.
So, how can we overcome this comparisonitis and reduce these feelings? Here are a few tips:
- Focus on what you are offering and your own unique value: Don’t worry about what everyone else is supposedly doing, focus on what sets you & your business apart. What unique value do you bring to the table that others don’t?
- Celebrate your own successes: It’s easy to focus on the negatives & what you haven’t done. But taking time to celebrate what you have achieved and your successes, no matter how small, can really boost your confidence & motivation.
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with like-minded business owners who understand the ups and downs of running a business. Be open, share your struggles and celebrate your successes together. Join my FB group for connection
- Learn from others, but don’t compare: It’s important to stay up-to-date, but don’t let it take over. Focus on how you can apply your learnings to your own business, rather than comparing yourself to others.
As business owners, we have the unique opportunity to shape our own success and create something truly meaningful. But it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and comparison can often lead to insecurity and self-doubt. By focusing on your own unique strengths, celebrating our successes, building a support network, and learning from others without comparing ourselves, we can overcome our insecurities and create successful and fulfilling businesses.
What actions will you take today to keep away from comparisonitis?