by Scott Lowe
Ever feel like you’re giving it everything you’ve got—your energy, your time, your heart—and yet, somehow, it still doesn’t feel like enough?
Then comes the comparison.
Not the kind where you look at your neighbor mowing their lawn in a straight line and think, “I could probably do better.”
No, I’m talking about the comparison where you size yourself up against some untouchable god—some
one who seems flawless, ultra-productive, always winning.
Or maybe they just think they are.
That kind of comparison? It’s crushing.
It doesn’t just mess with your motivation. It eats away at your self-worth.
It overshadows everything good about your own unique abilities, gifts, and even your vision for life.
It creeps into your system, overwhelming your mental, emotional, and even physical energy until you forget your why.
Your passion. Your drive. Your capabilities.
I hate comparison when it crushes our drive.
But here’s the thing: not all comparison is bad.
There’s a healthy way to compare ourselves—it can spark growth. It can push us to ask, “How can I step up my game?”
But when comparison becomes toxic—when it leads you into a tailspin of discouragement—it’s time to check what (and who) you’re comparing yourself to.
Maybe it means accepting that you’re a work in progress.
Maybe it means celebrating progress over perfection.
In real estate, I’ve been there.
I see a top producer in my market, and that quiet little voice creeps in:
“Jealousy.
Insecurity.
Doubt.“
It gets to me!
But then I (try to remember to) remind myself—what if my goal isn’t to beat that broker… but to become the best version of myself as a broker?
That shift in mindset changes everything.
That’s where the power is.
So let me ask you:
What gets you down?
What comparisons are you making that are unrealistic and defeating?
Let’s name a couple of ways comparison can dismantle us—and a few ways we can fight back.
2 Ways Comparison Can Defeat You:
- It Paralyzes Your Progress
Instead of taking the next step forward, you freeze—feeling like you’ll never measure up, so why bother trying? - It Warps Your Identity
You forget who you are and what you’re uniquely wired for. You lose sight of your own path because you’re staring at someone else’s.
3 Ways to Overcome Toxic Comparison:
- Reframe the Narrative
When you feel that jealousy creep in, switch the story. Celebrate their success and recommit to your own growth. “Good for them—now, how can I keep showing up and doing my best?” - Get Grounded in Gratitude
Make a daily list of 3 things you’re grateful for in your own journey. Gratitude shifts the focus from what you lack to what you have. - Own Your Timeline
You’re not late. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.
Stay in your lane. Run your race. There’s space for all of us.
You have something no one else has.
Don’t let comparison make you forget it.
Call to Action:
Take a moment today to write down one comparison that’s been stealing your joy—and replace it with a truth about who you are and where you’re going.
Then, leave a comment or message me:
What helps you stay grounded when comparison tries to take over?
Let’s keep encouraging each other to grow—not by being someone else, but by being the best version of ourselves.
scott-lowe.com 
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