Comparison Culture in our 20s and how to get your way through it ?
*True story ahead* – One of my old classmates is engaged, some of my friends are almost finished with their Master's degrees, and a few are already working in very interesting jobs. Some are still in medical school, while others are taking a gap year. Additionally, some are pursuing their PhDs after completing their combined bachelor's and master's programs. This, my friends, is the reality for those of us in our 20s. It's a scary and thrilling experience, but more often it feels daunting because no two people are living the same life.
That might sound amazing on the surface, but it can be overwhelming when you dig deeper. Every time I open Instagram or LinkedIn, I see so many people out there inventing apps, creating cool videos, and landing jobs. Despite my own achievements over the past few months, I find myself constantly comparing my life to theirs. I understand that it's a tough battle, and such comparisons only make things harder. However, if you’re on the same journey as I am, and you want to explore this further and discover ways to overcome the culture of comparison, let’s embark on this voyage together!
The comparison culture has various roots, and while the terms involved may seem simple, they undeniably have a lasting impact on people, especially those in their 20s. I’m sure the phrases I’m referring to are already resonating with you, so let’s unpack them and see if we align in our thoughts.
The roots of this culture can include:
- The pressure to meet one’s own and others' expectations.
- The feeling of falling behind.
- The compulsion to have everything figured out.
Similar to navigating a maze or solving a puzzle, we need to discover ways to escape the “Comparison Trap.” While it may be challenging, it's essential to find our way out. Let’s explore how we can overcome this trap, particularly if you're in your 20s! Here are some practical strategies to consider:
Challenge your inner voice. That ongoing monologue can be both positive and negative, and it can be difficult to manage. However, it's crucial to confront the negative thoughts because doing so is an effective way to train your brain to disregard "comparison."
2. If you thrive on competition, the best competitor you can face is yourself. To achieve this, set goals for yourself on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Each time you reach a goal, you unlock a better version of yourself.
3. When you achieve your goals, whether they're big or small, it's important to celebrate your success. Take the time to acknowledge accomplishments, as this can boost your self-esteem and help reduce the tendency to compare yourself to others over time.
4. Reassure yourself consistently; make it a priority in your daily routine. While receiving reassurance from others is important, developing self-sufficiency can also go a long way. This can involve various methods such as self-affirmations, changing the way you speak to yourself, and any other techniques that work for you personally.
5. Additionally, as challenging as it may be, remember that you are not on the same path as the person next to you. You might be facing a crossroads in your life, while your friend may simply be walking along a straight path, and both situations are perfectly valid. So each day, before you compare yourself to others, remind yourself that you are on a unique journey.
Tips and tricks won’t be useful unless we take action! So, take a moment today, whether it's right now or later, to reflect. If you’re going to compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to your younger self! Wouldn't that be amazing? Just think, your younger self would likely be so proud of the person you’ve become! So, let’s shift the narrative. I hope to see you all at the top, shining bright! Until the next blog post, take care, you lovely human bean!
