If you read this blog, you probably know that I love sharing things here and on Instagram and other social media channels. Like most people, I get sucked into the social media vortex and suffer from fear of missing out and comparing myself to others. I think, “Why do other bloggers have so many more followers? Why do people “like” their posts and not mine? Could I have run that race as fast as her?”… And on and on. It is really tough to just put yourself out there and not compare or contrast yourself against others.
You know I love my podcasts and I have been enjoying listening to Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast. Each month, she does a “One Part Pledge” Challenge. The podcast is similar in format to her One Part Podcasts. She interviews someone about their business, life, etc. In the OPP episodes, the interviewee asks people to take a pledge. It does not have to be a public pledge, but you can choose to share it if you want to.
I loved this month’s challenge from artist Rose Lazar. She challenged us to stop comparing and embrace what we have. She said, “When you are looking at social media and you want to compare yourself [to some one else and what she has], just stop and embrace what you have instead.” A simple, elegant challenge but some times the toughest thing to do.
The best thing about these pledges is that you can do them for as long as you like. Even an hour or a day will suffice. I have been thinking about the comparison trap for a long time. Read about some of my finds on this topic from a post in 2012. I am going to try to focus on “embracing what I have” whenever I catch myself comparing myself (and social media self) to others.
Check out Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast here and follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Trust me you’ll be glad you did!
Do you fall into the comparison trap? How can you better embrace what you have?
PS. Don’t miss my great giveaways!