By Scott Campsall
Seriously, comparing ourselves to other people is just the worst and let’s be real, we all do it. Whether we’re scrolling through social media, trying to kill it in school or at work, seeing someone move up faster in martial arts, or noticing someone’s fitness progress; it’s easy to start thinking, “Why am I not there yet?”
But here’s the hard truth: comparison steals your joy, clouds your vision, and slows your growth.
In martial arts, we remind students that the real competition is with the person they were yesterday. Comparing your belt rank to someone else’s, your speed to their skill, or your path to their journey misses the point of training entirely. Martial arts are personal. It’s about building your discipline, your resilience, and your mindset while not matching someone else’s timeline.
The same goes for fitness. Everybody is different. Your progress might not look like someone else’s. Especially, when filtered lighting and staged gym selfies dominate your feed. Health and strength aren’t about appearances; they’re about how you feel, move, and live.
In business, comparison can be paralyzing. For me, I constantly need to remind myself to refine my unique strengths and not to chase trends, mimic competitors, or doubt myself every time someone else celebrates a win.
What if you’re still in school? Maybe a friend gets better grades without even trying (or so it seems). But maybe you’re learning how to work hard, stay focused, and keep going when it’s tough. Those skills matter even more in the long run.
Ultimately, success, growth, and fulfillment are not one-size-fits-all concepts. They are deeply personal journeys driven by consistency, self-reflection, and a purposeful daily effort – not by trying to outdo others.
So, if you ever find yourself falling into the comparison trap while scrolling, take a moment to pause, breathe, and remember your own path, your reasons for starting, and the progress you’ve already made. Your journey is uniquely yours, and that’s where the true power lies.