How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others on Social Media

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Discover the pitfalls of comparing yourself to others on social media. Learn how to cultivate a healthier mindset and embrace your unique journey.

In an interview with Bustle, Mandy Moore reflects on her time as a pop star, alongside the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

“When I look back on being a pop star, those girls, they were made for it.” She’s talking about Spears and Christina Aguilera, of course. (She could be talking about Jessica Simpson, but it’s… unlikely.) “They’re dancers and they’re entertainers and they’re performers. They give their all — and costume changes! — and they can live on that level. And that was never going to be me.”

That’s how it goes, though: We chase something that we think will provide the success or appreciation we want until we realize it’s not who we are and it’s not worth it. The desire to achieve success and become better and better is something that, whether on our terms or not, can become very stressful.

Scrolling through other people’s feeds, feeling overwhelmed and exasperated that you can’t do it exactly like them can leave us with Instagram envy — a little green-eyed monster that sits on your shoulders, bringing out the very worst. Comparing yourself to others on social media can be a major source of stress and anxiety, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not good enough.

But here’s the thing: social media is not real life.

Mandy Moore knows who she is, and who she isn’t, meant to be. Those picture-perfect posts are often carefully curated and edited to present a certain image, and they don’t reflect the full spectrum of a person’s experiences or emotions. Similarly, we should embrace our strengths and be more like ourselves, when it comes to social media. So, how can you deal with Instagram envy and stay focused on your own goals?

Limit Your Social Media Consumption: Spending too much time scrolling through Instagram can be overwhelming and can make you feel like you’re not measuring up. Try setting limits on your social media use and focus on engaging with content that inspires and uplifts you. 

Instagram is Not Reality: It is easy to become jealous when scrolling through Instagram because people mostly post about positive experiences in their lives. But social media captures life’s highlight moments, not the everyday reality. When you see these photos you need to keep in mind that this is not a depiction of regular life.

It’s important to understand that businesses and Influencers (who are also businesses) invest a lot of resources, time and money carefully constructing their feeds — just like a magazine editor who curates the pages of a high-priced glossy magazine with photo shoots, editorials and ads.

Practice Gratitude: Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, try cultivating a mindset of gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, and celebrate your accomplishments and milestones. 

Connect with Like-Minded People: Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and aspirations can help you stay motivated and focused on your own goals. Seek out like-minded individuals on social media and engage with them in a positive and supportive way. 

Remember, social media is just a tool, and it’s up to you how you use it. By focusing on the things that truly matter to you and cultivating a positive mindset, you can overcome Instagram envy and stay on track towards achieving your own goals.

Image via Stocky