I spend a lot of time online, with a small business where the majority of my income comes from being online it’s inevitable that I find myself scrolling through my social media feeds throughout the day. Constantly, images of incredibly beautiful women with six-pack abs, interior accounts with the perfect homes, beautiful preened salads and prettied up smoothie bowls, mums who have their sh*t together and still manage to look glam in the process are filling my feeds. At times, I will admit that they do make me feel inferior like I’m not making enough effort or forever getting it wrong. Like all of us, I’m often sucked into the comparison trap.
When you started out on your wellness journey what may have sparked your interest is a certain person who has the idolised, yet unattainable ‘perfect’ body. You may have checked up on their exercise routine and their daily meals, in order to copy exactly what they’re doing to look precisely like them. You’re killing yourself in the gym and restricting what you eat because one day, when you look like this person your life is going to be amazing, doors will open and everything that you dreamed of will come flooding your way.
Let me put it to you straight, even if you executed their workout regimen to a ‘T’ and ate the same foods in the same quantities, it’s genetically impossible to look like them. The fact is you are one person and she is another. You’re both unique and equally worthy of magical things and this is not determined by how you look or weigh, they’re mutually exclusive.
One of the founding principles of my coaching course at is ‘bio-individuality’ – appreciating the fact that what works for one isn’t going to work for another. This is something that I’m deeply passionate about and a message that I’ve spoken about a lot on the blog and will use in my future practice. As we evolve our bodies needs will also evolve with us and are subject to change and that’s OK. This concept can be extended to different aspects of our lives such as diets, fitness, self care practices etc. Our bodies needs differ from person to person and it’s important to honour these needs and nourish our bodies authentically rather getting lost in someones else’s world.
When you try to keep up or mimic some else’s health journey, you’re basically tuning into someone else’s body and ignoring your own. However, your body matters and really getting deep into what it needs is a massive dose of unconditional love. All of our bodies are incredible things and they deserve love and respect that you would give to your best friend.
Never worry about what everyone else is doing. Don’t get lost in that comparison rabbit hole, if you see someone at the gym doing 100 squats, but you can only manage 10, that’s fantastic! Support one another and cheer each other on, but also celebrate your own progress, no matter how big or small. Please don’t feel disheartened if someone appears to be manifesting or reaching their goals (whatever they may be) quicker than you. All that matters is YOU, so stay in your zone and own your wellness journey.
If you would like more guidance on how to live a more balanced life then you can grab my free e-book, The Essential Balance Guide here.
I’m with you on those smoothie bowls Jemma – how do they manage to get them so perfect! Damn! Also like you, I often find myself comparing my body/lifestyle/job/appearance with others – you’re absolutely right though, we need to stay in our zone and work towards something that’s personal to us x
I’ve got know idea! I love how pretty they look, but honestly who has the time. ?
I can totally relate to this. I just try to remember that people post their highlights and not the whole story. 🙂 Great post!
Thank you!!! ?
This is really inspirational to me as I have been feeling a little inferior when it comes to fitness and wanting to join a gym but feeling I will be mocked. I think you are so right, staying in my zone is so important.
I’m glad you’ve found this post helpful. Focusing on your own journey and taking baby steps can help for sure. You’ll do great at the gym or whatever you choose to do.
I definitely need to get my act together when it comes to exercise. O’m One of those that worries about what everyone else is doing.
You’re definitely not alone in this. Staying in your zone and not worrying about others really does help.
Thanks for sharing, some great insights here. You’re so right about not drawing a comparison to others and applauding your own successes instead.
Thank you. Comparison is the thief of joy and it’s so important to celebrate your own successes no matter how small.
I totally agree, although I too get drawn in by other people’s perfect bodies and lives on social media. I have to tell myself it’s not real and just focus on myself
Exactly! Social media is such a highlight reel and sometimes it’s so easy to forget.
I agree that we should focus on ourselves and our achievements, instead of comparing it to what others can do! I will be checking the essential balance guide as it sounds great! 🙂
Thank you! I hope you like it.
im working on this myself , im looking into a more positive mind and not worry about things that dont matter
Good for you. It’s slow progress, but definitely worth the effort.
Having a balanced life is something I am trying to work on for both my family & I lately – great post!
It’s such a struggle to stoke the right balance isn’t it.
I sure do sometimes and its not always easy to think of your own journey but I know its very important too and I will be more often thats for sure
Agreed. It’s not easy at all, especially with social media.
Sometimes I forget how complex and different we all are! I totally agree that working out what’s best for yourself and not getting too caught up in what other people are doing is the way to go.
I was always so bad at comparing myself against others but I am definitely improving. It can be such a detriment because you lose determination when you aren’t seeing the results someone is getting. Now I make sure to appreciate every achievement and don’t feel so bad at a bad week
I love this!! Its so easy to forget sometimes that we aren’t all wired the same way in terms of our bodies!! my health could be better and sometimes its out of my control but I’m going to consider myself more now and what my body can and can’t do!
Totally! We’re all different and something we need to remember this, especially when we start comparing ourselves to others.