Have you ever found yourself down the black hole of your social media feed, and after an hour wonder where the time went? Studies show that the longer you stay on social media, the more lonely and depressed you feel. It’s easy to look at everyone’s perfectly filtered photos, and feel like you don’t measure up.
Truth is, our standards and expectations of ourselves can be unrealistic. If we compare our current situation to our dream Pinterest board, or a perfectly curated Instagram feed, it can feel really discouraging. How do we deal with the pressure that we (even unknowingly) put on ourselves?
The only way to win at the comparison game is to stop playing.
Here are 5 things that help me overcome the struggle with comparison, and live more
fully in my own purpose and calling.
1. Remember Who You Are
You are a child of God, and there is no one else in the world exactly like you. When you struggle with wanting to be like someone else, remind yourself of whose you are. God made you unique, and he doesn’t make mistakes. You are a masterpiece.
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; here is no flaw in you.” - Song of Solomon 4:7, ESV
2. Count Your Blessings
Start listing off things that you’re thankful for, and soon you will lose count. Sometimes your list may start with an eye roll, but a few points in and you’ll be reminded how blessed you are. Anytime you catch yourself in a downward spiral of negative thinking, you can choose to turn it around and focus on the positive. It’s easy to forget all of the things in life that are going right.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV
3. Stay in Your Lane
You never know what someone has gone through to get to the point that they’re at. You probably don’t want the kind of baggage they’ve had to carry. So let’s not judge too
quickly, and think they have it all together. In real life, we’re all pretty much winging it. Life doesn’t come with a roadmap of how every situation will turn out. But we can trust God in the midst of each situation, that he will bring good even out of the hard things. He stays the same, and he is faithful. We can rest in that.
“...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” - Phillipians 4:12b, ESV
4. Take A Deep Breath
Just breathe. You were made for great things, but not everything has to be done in one day. Give yourself grace, and enjoy where you are in this moment. Ask for help when you need it, and don’t feel bad about accepting help when someone offers. Not everything has to be done by you. There’s so much freedom in realizing that!
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29
5. Pass It On
Look for opportunities to encourage others who may be struggling and feeling alone, discouraged, or not good enough. Tell them that they are loved, and that you’re there for them. We all need people in our lives to lift us up and remind us that it’s going to be ok.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Lydia Walker Athey
Lydia is a Nashville based worship leader, singer and songwriter and an active part of the Brave Worship Community! She’s also a wife and a mom to a beautiful little girl and a baby boy on the way.