In this digital age, comparison is everywhere. It shows up in the workplace, in your family or home life, at the gym, in the shopping mall — the list goes on. The constant bombardment of images, messages, and social media updates can make it nearly impossible to avoid comparing yourself to others. But if you’re on a fitness journey, learning how to silence comparison is crucial.
The Noise of Comparison
As you work toward your health and fitness goals, comparison might sneak in more often than you’d like. Whether it’s from scrolling through social media or overhearing comments in the gym, the tendency to compare can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that comparison is a learned behavior which means it is one you can unlearn.
Your thoughts and actions are deeply influenced by what you consume. If you constantly expose yourself to negative or unrealistic portrayals of health and fitness, those thoughts can begin to shape your beliefs and actions. When the noise gets too loud, remind yourself: you can’t control what you hear, but you can control what you listen to.
Turning Down the Wrong Voices
A key step in silencing comparison is identifying which voices to amplify and which to quiet. For instance, you may have a friend who’s always critical of your food choices: “Oh, you’re eating that?” or “Didn’t you just eat?” Comments like these aren’t a reflection of you but of their own insecurities. Recognizing this can help you stop internalizing their words.
As you pursue a healthier lifestyle, it’s natural to release old habits, and sometimes, old relationships. This doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye forever, but it might mean creating some distance from those who don’t support your growth. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, not those who pull you down.
Celebrating Instead of Comparing
Your fitness journey is sacred. It’s about more than just your appearance; it’s about prioritizing your health and well-being. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on celebrating your progress. Celebrate the small wins, the healthy choices, and the milestones along the way.
Anyone who thinks this is more than you can handle is LESS than the kind of person you need in your life. Other people are not your problem. The problem is comparing yourself to a standard that you should not be. The only thing you should compare is your old self to your evolving self. Reflect on how far you’ve come and acknowledge the effort you’ve put in.
You vs. You
At the end of the day, your biggest competition is yourself. Every day, choose to show up for yourself. Choose to keep pursuing health and happiness. And when you find yourself wondering how to silence comparison, remember where you started and who you’re fighting for.