Ep 68 Fighting the Comparison Trap

Do you have feelings of inadequacy? That you don't have what you want? That you've made the wrong choices or fallen short in certain areas of your life? Do you sometimes think that other people have what you want, and that makes you feel even less accomplished, satisfied, adequate, or good enough? Have you found yourself scrolling through social media posts in awe of other people's lives? Have you gone so far as to spend hours searching through friends' and strangers' timelines? Are you in awe of the number of likes, shares, and comments that people have on their posts? And the number of followers, subscribers, members, friends they have? Do you sit back and then look at your life, social media profiles, career, marriage, family, bank account, body, relationships, home, vehicle, and children—and start comparing what you have to others? Today's episode is going to start unpacking the differences between comparison that leads to inspiration and motivation and the type of comparison that leads to feelings of inferiority and, ultimately, depression. We will share commentary from seasoned psychologists, the leading theory that summarizes this self-evaluation we're doing, and more. We'll present different scenarios, like comparing yourself to a random stranger on the street to comparison with a celebrity or social media influencer, how we compare ourselves to people we think are above us, equal to us, or beneath us. We'll even walk through those muddy waters of comparing the past to the present, like comparing yourself to your significant other's exes, and that's just for starters. We'll explore how the comparison trap can lead to increased and even toxic competition, shame, guilt, self-adulation, self-deprecation, anxiety, and degrees of depression. We're going to talk about the "I'll be happy when...." fallacy, what happiness is and isn't, and some suggestions for how to positively "stay in your own lane" while celebrating and honoring other people's achievements and accomplishments, talents, and gifts. And of course, we're shouting out some professionals and businesses! MENTIONS Dr. Alduan Tartt https://instagram.com/drtartt Princess Peoples https://instagram.com/styleeccentricsouls BUSINESS SHOUT-OUTS SHOUT-OUT #1 Melissa Simmons, CEO & Publisher Diversity Professional Magazine An interactive national publication focused on business, career & lifestyle. https://DiversityProfessional.com https://facebook.com/1DPNation https://instagram.com/1DPNation https://twitter.com/1DPNation SHOUT-OUT #2 QLoveStyles Personal shopper & wardrobe stylist Helping to cater a look specifically to your style for commercial events and private occasions. https://QLoveStyles.com https://instagram.com/QLoveStyles https://facebook.com/QLoveStyles https://twitter.com/QLoveStyles SHOUT-OUT #3 Tim & Stormi Covington (husband & wife dynamic duo) Owners of Son Kissed Gatherings They style parties and luxury picnics and specialize in intimate gatherings. Also a balloon boutique! They have an AirBNB: Covington Cottage https://sonkissedgatherings.com https://instagram.com/sonkissedgatherings https://facebook.com/sonkissedgatherings AirBNB IG: https://instagram.com/covingtoncottage SHOW INFORMATION: Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC Website: https://ForemanLLC.com IG: https://instagram.com/ForemanLLC Podcast IG: https://instagram.com/DontCallitSmall FB: https://facebook.com/ForemanAndAssociates Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForemanLLC Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItAintSmall YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/ForemanAssociates HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, Lead Management Consultant Foreman & Associates, LLC Website: https://NatashaForeman.com IG: https://instagram.com/NatashaLForeman FB: https://facebook.com/NatashaLForeman Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatashaLForeman LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/NatashaLForeman Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers Copyright 2022. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.