S1:E44 You v. You - Part 1 - Comparison

If you compare your journey to someone else's, it will always, ALWAYS get you off track. In one direction or the other.In this episode I break down the real psychology behind comparison. Leon Festinger's Social Comparison Theory from 1954 shows we evaluate our own worth by comparing ourselves upward, to people doing better, or downward, to people doing worse. And research specifically on weight loss found that women with a stronger tendency toward upward comparison actually had LESS successful outcomes overall.I walk through both directions of comparison and why each one sabotages you differently. Comparing up can spiral into a "whatever, I'll just eat the cookies" mentality when you're in a stuck mindset. Comparing down gives you permission to stay stagnant because at least you're doing better than someone else. Either direction pulls your eyes off your own lane and onto someone else's journey entirely.What we cover:Leon Festinger's Social Comparison Theory and what it reveals about self worthThe research connecting upward comparison to less successful weight loss outcomesWhy comparing up can either inspire you or completely derail you depending on your mindsetWhy comparing down feels like relief but actually keeps you stuckHow to keep your eyes on your own lane and your own progressYour tiny step from this episode:The next time you catch yourself comparing up or comparing down, say this out loud. This is me versus me. And bring your eyes back to your own lane.Grab your free Everyday Comeback Guide + join the newsletter: lesliebegin.myflodesk.com/comebackConnect with Leslie:📱 Instagram: @lesliebegin📧 Email: [email protected]🎙️ Subscribe to Dare to Begin wherever you listen to podcastsKeywords: social comparison theory, comparing yourself to others, women's wellness podcast, health coach, everyday comeback, upward and downward comparison, healthy mindset for women, Leslie Begin, dare to begin, comeback mindset, weight loss motivation, Leon Festinger research, comparison and self esteem