In the age of social media, it is harder than ever to keep our eyes on our own journey. While it’s okay to have a role model, here some tips to keep from comparing yourself to others in the gym (or online)
The ‘everyone is better than me’ complex.
More than any time in history we are obsessed with comparing ourselves to others. We are inundated with visuals day and night about what we should or could be.
What is so wrong with what we are?
How do we get past the unnerving obsession that everyone else is doing life better?
Whether its online, on the job, or at the gym there are a million ways to circulate self doubt.
Why do you care and what does it change?
To care about the millions of opinions in the world takes a tremendous amount of energy. It also creates a tremendous amount of pressure and creates self-doubt. It will cripple you and only alter your reality.
Instead of being stuck in a cycle of comparison, accept that you are on your own journey with unique start and end points.
- You do not need the cutest outfit in the room when your goal is to achieve Vice President of your company.
- You do not need the best Instagram vacation photos when your goal is saving money.
- You do not need the cutest butt in the gym if your goal is heart health.
In the end, it boils down to self doubt. The fear and pressure of trying to keep up with everyone else will paralyze you and keep you from your unique goals.
How to get unstuck from a self doubt cycle:
- Come up with a list of achievable goals.
- Create an outline and a timeline of how to accomplish those goals.
- Find an accountability partner who will help you stay on track.
- Create visuals that will help you remind you of what you are working towards to help you stay on track and be motivated.
- Practice daily affirmations that will boost your confidence and propel you towards your unique goals.
- Look for role models and inspiration, but remember they have their own goals and path they are on.
- Remember that everyone is different- different minds, bodies, and skills. Celebrate yours!
MOVING ON…
Comparison is the thief of joy.~ Theodore Roosevelt
Comparison will waste time, kill your confidence, and get you off track fast.In the end, it will never matter how close you came to being like someone else. What will matter is what you did and how you did it.
Be yourself. Accept that everyone has a starting point and learning new skills takes time. It’s ok to be new at something. It’s ok not to be the best. It’s ok to have different goals than those around you. Focus on investing in yourself and accepting your uniqueness.
Let being you be a strength and a privilege.
There are millions of other people out there, but there is no other you. Be ‘You’ because no one else can do it as great at you can.
Lauren Casey is Founder and Lead Coach at Invested Fit personal training and self development, and resident fitness expert at CovetCrave providing expertise in health, exercise, and motivation. She is the proud creator of 6 children and 6 pack abs. Join her motivation community on Facebook or follow her @investedfit_fpt