Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

Social media serves up a 24/7 stream of other people’s curated lives, making comparison and envy all too easy. We contrast our struggling startup to a friend’s IPO, our modest home to acquaintances’ mansions, our child’s achievements to the genius next door. Getting caught in this comparison trap robs us of joy in the present moment and erodes self-worth. How can we appreciate our gifts and circumstances rather than endlessly measuring against others? This article explores research-backed strategies for breaking free from destructive social comparison and forging a sense of confidence, purpose and belonging in our own lives.