4 ways to stop comparing yourself to others right now!

Teddy Roosevelt was right— comparison truly is the thief of joy. This has LONG been my favourite quote and recite in most interviews. Comparison is the highway to take us straight to misery town, and we need to pump the breaks and do a u-turn if we want to be content.

But in a world of FOMO and YOLO, and constantly being bombarded with highlight reels of people's lives on social media, how do we avoid comparing ourselves to everyone around us? I’ve got a few hacks that can stop you from enviously checking other peeps:

1. Focus on yourself.
If you throw yourself into work and creative projects, you will inevitably have less time to dedicate to feelings of jealousy or envy. Make a schedule for each day and stick to it. Commit to self-improvement, whether it be stepping up your professional game or starting a few personal projects. All you can control in this world is you. And you’re fantastic!

2. Brag a little!
When we compare ourselves to other people, we often compare our low points to their high points. It’s important to remember that other people’s accomplishments are not your failures. Remind yourself of your own accomplishments, and then try and brag about them a little! Call your grandma and tell her about that raise you got recently! Show a friend some work you did that you’re proud of! Let yourself revel in your own greatness because you deserve it.

3. Spend less time on social media.
Ah, the Internet. It’s a beautiful and dangerous place. Before you let the Instagram fueled FOMO (or, Fear Of Missing Out) seep into your brain, keep in mind that we all use social media as a sort of highlight reel. No one’s posting their failures or missteps, but we all have them. Step away from the iPhone and start to slowly feel a little better.

4. Be happy for other people.
To finally overcome the potentially toxic influence of envy, this is the final step. Rather than compare yourself to other people or their work, simply be glad for them! I know it’s not that simple, but it’s important. Celebrate and compliment the work of others as often as you can, and watch your envy slowly fade away.

BONUS: Unfollow people who make you feel less than.