Have you ever heard of the comparison trap? It is the quagmire we find ourselves in when we compare ourselves to others. And with the advent of social media—a turbo-charged, precision instrument for social comparison unlike anything in human history—the trap just got worse. 

Since comparison is a fundamental human impulse, there’s really no way of shutting it down completely. But there is definitely a way to mitigate the negative effects and amplify the good especially since any comparison we make will never be “apples to apples.” 

First: the comparison is flawed from the outset, good or bad because no two people are exactly alike.
Second: you can always make you better; how can the you of today be better than the you of yesterday?
Third: Use the rational side of your brain to remind yourself that social media never tells the full story!

If social media is bringing you down, think beyond that one snapshot. Tell yourself: “I’m smarter than that!” I wish my life could be summed up by my Christmas card – but there is a lot more to my story than that! Come on over – you’ll see! 

With Gratitude,
Beth