“Why compare yourself with others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you,” ~Unknown.
We all have done this at times, compared our goals, thoughts, body, success, etc. with others. Yet, when it comes to your health and lifestyle choices this habit can literally sabotage your goals. I know that most of the advice out there about diet and fitness tends to be marketed as a “one size fits all” approach, which is the absolute wrong idea when it comes to health. Some reasons are because each one of us has a unique DNA, unique body structures, experiences, thoughts, and emotions. So, how can a “one size fits all” approach to fitness and nutrition be maintained long term if it’s not unique to you! Here are some more reasons why comparisons jeopardize your goals:
1. Comparisons are always unfair. That person you see with a six pack may be in the gym six times a week because their schedules permit it, while your lifestyle only permits a few days because work, kids, husband, responsibilities, etc..
2. Comparisons, by definition, require metrics. But only a fool believes every good thing can be counted (or measured). How can you measure feeling good after a great workout or eating some healthy foods?
3. Comparisons rob us of precious time. We each get 86,400 seconds each day. And using even one to compare yourself or your accomplishments to another is one second too many.
4. You are too unique to compare fairly. Your gifts and talents and successes and contributions and value are entirely unique to you and your purpose in this world. They can never be properly compared to anyone else.
So, what’s my suggestion to help you stop the comparisons? Simply redirect the comparison to a past and a present self and keep the comparison within! We are always becoming more. Who you are today is a result of the decisions you made yesterday. We decide and then we decide again, and the direction is always toward learning more and growing. It is our human nature to develop ourselves. So, when you catch yourself comparing yourself to another, stop for a moment and re-direct the thought. Instead of submitting to the temptation to compare yourself to someone else, ask yourself a few questions instead.
- What new decisions have you made or what new actions have you taken that have resulted in you moving in a new direction in your life?
- How have you stepped out in the last year that you might have found unthinkable before?
- What are you doing today that you couldn’t have done five, three, or even one year ago?
- How and what have you done in order to continue to create a new and improved version of yourself?
In other words, focus on all your successes, not matter how small they may seem. Reminding yourself how you have changed and continue to change will help you stick to your goals of a healthy lifestyle. Remember; treat comparing yourself to others just like another BAD HABIT you need to replace. The more you practice at replacing it with a new habit, the less and less you will use it to guide your progress and success. As always, grow, expand, and learn your way into a healthy body and mind! Keep up the good work! 🙂
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