Does this self comparison scenario sound like you?
Spending countless hours scrolling through your favorite social media platform admiring the beautiful work of other artists?
Then suddenly that admiration somehow turns into a series of self deprecating thoughts about your very own accomplishments and projects?
Well, President Theodore Roosevelt was right when he said “ Comparison is the thief of joy.”
As a young artist navigating through drama school, I know first hand how brutal the self-comparison battle can be.
Thankfully throughout the years, I’ve learned effective strategies on navigating those feelings so I can live a life that celebrates other artists without the need to tear myself down in the process.
That’s why I hope this simple yet effective guide inspires you stop self sabotaging your achievements because of creative self comparison.
1. Walk away!
Sometimes all it takes is a detox break to rid your mind of consuming all the amazing things everyone else is constantly up to ( and you’re not). Think about it like this:
Comparing yourself to images on social media is like always feeding your mind “ informational junk food.”
The next time you find your thoughts racing with toxic perceptions of your creative abilities, try this: find an activity that turns them off.
For me, it’s going to take a long hot shower or cranking up music and doing a mindless task like organizing or cleaning.
It’s entirely up to you what your “mindless activity” is.
The goal is to get as far away from social media as you can.
2. Get deep
“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.”
Margaret J. Wheatley
Taking the time for self reflection tackles the root of the problem and is the best way to eliminate toxic thoughts.
Consider asking yourself:
- What’s triggering this comparison?
- What do they offer that I don’t?
- What am I searching to gain from their work? Is it their happiness, confidence, certain skills?
- Is this image truly an accurate representation of a life that’s “better” than mine?
- What did they have to give up in achieve to have this?
3. Compete with yourself vs others
Competing with others will always be a losing game, but competing with yourself leads to self improvement and ultimately success.
That’s because everyone has their own unique attributes and different ideas to bring to the table.
Replace thoughts of “ I can never do… like …” to a productive alternative that highlights your own personal strengths.
THE TAKEAWAY:
Creative comparison will always be a losing game.
One that stops you from realizing your own achievements and potential, and stuck on the ride of self sabotage and doubt.
To live a life that celebrates other artists without tearing yourself down, it helps to:
- Walk away: ( Take a break from “informational junk food.” aka put the devices down!”
- Self reflect: ( What’s triggering this creative comparison? What attribute am I looking to gain from their work?)
- Compete with only yourself: ( Constructive self improvement that challenges your own strengths and weaknesses)
So, what are your experiences with creative comparison and which methods are you using to combat self-comparison?