How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

32 snips

Mar 4, 2024

Discover the hidden dangers of comparing yourself to others and its impact on mental health. Learn how this habit can lead to issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, and even overspending to keep up with appearances. Explore three key reasons why this cycle is detrimental and find practical strategies to cultivate a healthier mindset. Embrace the journey toward self-worth and break free from the comparison trap!

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INSIGHT

Comparison and Inadequacy

Comparing yourself to others often leads to feeling inadequate.
This stems from focusing on others' perceived successes while overlooking your own.

INSIGHT

Selective Focus in Comparison

Comparison relies on selective focus, highlighting others' strengths and our weaknesses.
We often see an incomplete picture of others' lives, creating unrealistic ideals.

ANECDOTE

The 'Chill' Family Member

Emma McAdam shared an example of comparing a family member's chill nature to her own.
She later realized her perception was incomplete, missing the downsides of that trait.

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Here’s what we do know about comparison- it contributes to mental health concerns like eating disorders, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, body dissatisfaction, jealousy, narcissism, and perfectionism. It can also lead to other problems like overspending to keep up with the Joneses. One study found that when someone in a neighborhood won the lottery, neighbors began making big purchases like expensive cars that they couldn’t afford. When we compare ourselves to others it will always let us down in the long run. Let’s talk about 3 reasons why comparison lets us down, and then we’ll talk about what to do instead.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.