Episode 16: Getting Out of the Comparison Spiral
We know that comparison happens. We know that it doesn’t always feel that great. We know that “comparison is the thief of joy” or that the “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” We don’t need to be told that.
What we want to understand is how we can free ourselves from the spiral of comparison that can overwhelm us with feelings of inadequacy. How we can worry less about what others are doing and feel more comfortable living our own lives. How we can actually spend less mental space comparing and more time feeling good about ourselves.
In this episode we talk about what’s at the root of comparison—why we do it, what is signals, and how understanding that can help us find practical ways to ease that feeling in your life.
A Sneak Peek of What You’ll Find in This Episode:
What’s Behind the Comparison?
Comparison can happen as an information gathering tool—who am I and what makes me me? Sometimes we learn that through watching how we are different from others.
And sometimes comparison motivates us towards growth in valuable ways.
But sometimes it’s tied to our self-worth and that’s when it can hurt us instead of helping us.
When our sense of worth feels shaky, comparison gets louder. We start checking ourselves against everyone around us—how we’re doing as a mom, a partner, a friend, a person. And that can send us into a spiral of rumination and self-doubt.
Key Episode Takeaways
Instead of trying to eliminate comparison completely (which isn’t realistic), this episode explores how to:
- Understand what comparison is actually pointing to
- Shift from shame → curiosity
- Stop the mental spiral when it starts
- Feel more secure in who you are so comparison has less power
Because the goal isn’t to never compare again. The goal is to feel grounded enough in yourself that comparison doesn’t get to define how you feel about your life.
Additional Resources to Help You Compare Less:
- Working on strengthening your sense of self is one of the best ways to reduce comparison in your life
- How might self-silencing relate to comparison? Read about 7 common signs of self-silencing.
- Related Episode: Quieting the Inner Critic
Stay in Touch!
Get weekly emails with tips & resources to help you feel more like yourself again & more connected to your people: