Present Me: I keep looking at other people’s lives and wondering why I’m not where they are. Some people my age are achieving amazing things, while I feel like I’m falling behind. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it’s making me doubt myself.

Future Me: I hear you. I remember feeling that way, too. Comparison used to steal so much of my energy and joy. But let me tell you—comparison is a trap. It will keep you stuck if you let it. Everyone’s journey is different, and trying to measure your progress against someone else’s is unfair to you.

Present Me: But how do I stop comparing? It feels automatic, like my mind just goes there without me even trying.

Future Me: It starts with awareness. You have to catch yourself when you’re doing it and redirect your focus. Instead of looking at what someone else has achieved, ask yourself: “What am I doing to move forward in my journey?” You’re not in a race with anyone else. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday.

Present Me: That makes sense, but I can’t help but feel like I should be further along by now.

Future Me: Says who? Who set the timeline for your success? Society? Social media? Some imaginary deadline? Life isn’t a straight path; it’s a winding road with detours, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. What matters is that you’re growing, learning, and moving forward at your own pace.

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

1. Recognize the Illusion of Perfection: What you see from others is only part of their story. Social media, conversations, and even casual observations only reveal highlights, not struggles. Just because someone appears successful doesn’t mean they haven’t faced obstacles. Stop assuming that others have it all figured out—because they don’t.

2. Define Success for Yourself: Ask yourself: What does success mean to me? Not what society says, not what my friends or family expect—what truly fulfills me? If you don’t define success on your terms, you’ll always feel like you’re chasing someone else’s dream.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Growth isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about becoming a little better each day. Instead of obsessing over where you should be, celebrate where you are and how far you’ve come. Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress.

4. Limit Social Media Comparison: Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. If scrolling makes you feel inadequate, take a break or unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.” Follow people who inspire and uplift you instead. Remember, what you consume affects how you think.

5. Practice Gratitude: When you focus on what you do have, there’s less space for envy or comparison. Each day, take a moment to acknowledge your strengths, achievements, and blessings. Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

6. Run Your Own Race: Imagine if a marathon runner kept stopping to look at other runners instead of focusing on their own pace. They’d never finish the race. Life is the same way. Keep your eyes on your path, not someone else’s.

Present Me: I get it now. It’s not that I’m behind—it’s just that I’m on a different path.

Future Me: Exactly. And that’s okay. Some people’s success happens early, some later. Some take the traditional route, some carve out an unconventional path. None of it matters as long as you stay committed to your journey.

Present Me: But what if I still struggle with comparison? What if I still feel like I’m not enough?

Future Me: Then remind yourself of this: You are enough as you are. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Keep doing your best, keep learning, and keep showing up for yourself. The only person who can define your journey is you.

Read more …….Believe, Play , Plan, Execute: A Conversation with My Future Self