How comparison undermines progress

This episode is brought to you by Branch Basics and iRestore.

We all have goals we want to achieve in life, but too often we abandon them the moment we slip into comparison. Today’s guest shows us how to break out of that trap and start making real progress toward the life we’ve always envisioned.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we’re revisiting one of our most talked-about moments with Dr. Hal Hershfield. Dr. Hal breaks down the dangers of falling into the comparison trap and how it can lead to self-sabotage and defeat. Together, Dhru and Dr. Hal explore why understanding the real journey of obstacles and challenges is essential for growth. Dr. Hal also shares practical strategies for clarifying your intentions and goals, and how to apply those insights to your health and wellness journey.

Hal Hershfield is a professor of marketing, behavioral decision-making, and psychology at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. His research sits at the intersection of psychology and economics, focusing on how to improve long-term decision-making.

He’s published in leading academic journals and has written op-eds for outlets such as The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and The Wall Street Journal. Hal holds a PhD in psychology from Stanford, has earned multiple teaching awards, and was named one of Poets & Quants’ “40 Most Outstanding B-School Profs Under 40.” His book, Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today, is out now.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Hal dive into:

• The hidden dangers of comparison and how it quietly derails your life (1:55)

• Why celebrating group wins unlocks what you think is impossible (5:30)

• Tailwinds, headwinds, and the surprising truth about real progress (10:45)

• How to shift from “good intentions” to unshakeable commitment (15:07)

• A simple method for getting radically clear on your goals (20:17)

• The powerful letter-to-your-future-self exercise that exposes your real obstacles (24:06)

• Final insights that tie everything together (31:13)

Also mentioned:

• Full episode with Hal Hershfield

• Try This: Write a Letter to Your Future Self

This episode is brought to you by Branch Basics and iRestore.

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