Comparing your success to others can be a huge stumbling block in your personal and professional growth. 

When I left my corporate job to start my coaching business, I was so excited to be creating something meaningful.  However, it didn’t take long before the self-doubt started to creep in.  I found myself scrolling through social media and comparing my early efforts to the success stories of others.  

The more I compared myself to others, the more inadequate I felt. 

I’d ask myself:  Why isn’t my business growing as fast?  Why don’t I have as many clients?  Why don’t my achievements seem so big to me?  

Then, a mentor told me something that changed everything:  “Michelle, you are running your own race.  Your journey is unique to you, so stop comparing it to others – it’s holding you back”.   

Those words were so powerful, and she was right!  

I realised that comparing myself to others was comparing apples with oranges.  Everyone is on a different path, experiencing different challenges, and focused on different outcomes.  When we compare, we lose focus on our own progress and the unique strengths that we bring to the table.  

Here’s what I learned and implemented to overcome this:

• Focus on Your Journey: Everyone is on a different timeline.  Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small they may seem. 
• Set Personal Goals: Get clear on what success means to you and strive towards those goals. 
• Embrace Your Uniqueness:  Look at your skills and experience as your superpower and create your own path.  
• Learn, Don’t Compare:  Draw inspiration from others but avoid the comparison trap.  Instead, learn from their success and challenges.
• Practice Gratitude:  Regularly acknowledge what you’ve achieved so far.  Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. 

When I stopped comparing, I became more focused, my clients connected more with my authentic self and my business flourished. 

If you’re new to a business journey or thinking about starting a business, my advice to you is this:  Trust in your own journey and follow your own pathway to what success means for you!

Remember, the only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Keep growing, keep striving, and stay true to your unique journey.

Get Clear on What Success Looks Like for You by downloading my FREE workbook “What Does Success Look Like For You” and create your blueprint for a successful life and career! Click here to download

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