Comparison Isn’t the Problem: How to Use It to Your Advantage

When it comes to comparison, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Don’t compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to yourself.”

It’s something I say to my clients (and to my kids) almost weekly. But let’s be honest… that’s easier said than done.

We live in a world that constantly shows us what we’re not. Someone else always seems to be doing more, looking happier, achieving faster. Whether you’re a parent scrolling after bedtime or a kid at school, the message is loud: “You should be further along by now.”

But here’s the truth: comparison itself isn’t the enemy.
It’s how we use it that matters.

The Two Types of Comparison

Some comparison can actually be healthy. When you admire someone’s courage, creativity, or clarity, it can give you a helpful benchmark. A sense of, “That’s something I value too. How can I move toward that?”

But then there’s the other kind.

The kind that leaves you feeling small. Behind. Not good enough. That kind of comparison usually isn’t about the other person at all; it’s about a wound we haven’t healed. A belief we’ve held onto that says “I’ll never measure up.”

And that’s where things get heavy.

You Used to Compare Yourself to Your Village…

Now you compare yourself to the whole world.

Social media has turned our “reference point” into an endless scroll. We see curated lives from people we don’t even know and suddenly question everything about our own. I see this constantly with my clients, and I’ve felt it myself.

But most of the time, that moment of comparison isn’t really about them. It’s about us. Our fears. Our hidden hopes. The parts of ourselves we haven’t fully claimed yet.

Shift from the Gap to the Gain

So what do we do instead? Here’s what I teach my clients and my children:

Shift from the Gap to the Gain

There’s a powerful mindset shift from Dan Sullivan’s work called The Gap and The Gain, and it’s one of my favourite tools for navigating the trap of comparison.

The gap is when you measure yourself against where you wish you were.
The gain is when you measure yourself against where you started.

Try this tonight. Before bed, ask yourself:

What are three wins from today, big or small?

What are three things I want to focus on tomorrow?

This simple practice helps train your brain to focus on progress rather than lack. It’s especially powerful when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed. And over time? It rewires how you see yourself.

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Comparison and Envy Isn’t Always Bad

I tell my clients: if you feel envy, get curious. Ask yourself:

What is this really showing me? Is it an unmet need? A desire I’ve been afraid to name?

Sometimes, comparison points to something important, something you care about. But instead of using it to shame yourself, try using it as a compass.

→ What is this feeling telling me I want more of in my life?

If You’re Going to Compare, Compare Like This:

💬 Am I showing up with a little more confidence than I did last year?
💬 Did I handle that tough conversation with more self-trust than I used to?
💬 What would my past self be proud of today?

You get to be your own benchmark.

A Message to My Kids (And Maybe to You, Too) About Comparison

In a video I recorded recently, I said this to my children:

I know you hear me say, don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself. But it’s not very easy, is it?”

I want them (and you) to know:

You’re allowed to admire others.
You’re allowed to feel envy.
But don’t let it drown out your own story.

You’ve already come so far. You’re still becoming. And every day you choose to measure yourself kindly, you get stronger.

Watch this message to my kids video:

Reflective Prompt for Self-Comparison and Growth

Tonight, write down:

3 wins from today
3 small goals for tomorrow

And if comparison creeps in, ask: Is this helping me grow? Or is it making me doubt who I already am?

Let me know: what’s one small win from today that you’re proud of?

Drop it in the comments or message me privately. I’d love to celebrate with you.

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**Career Mum Coach | ACC Executive Coach**

Meet Tania!

With three energetic kids, I know what it’s like to have to juggle your career goals and desire to be a good parent. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping working mums manage your time in the best way, so you can spend quality time with your kids and still find the courage to go after what you want in life.