How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others in Your Industry

Hey there! Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that haunts many of us in the business world, especially the ladies. It’s all about comparison, that horrible habit that creeps into our minds and messes with our mindset, our business, and even our personal lives. You’ve probably heard it before: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And guess what? It’s absolutely true. I’ve been there myself, wrestling with this habit of comparing myself to others, whether it’s other women or other businesses in my industry. But it’s time to shift that mindset and stop seeing others as competition.

Before we dive into how to break free from this cycle, let me emphasize how important it is to put your own unique spin on everything. 

The Comparison Game

Now, let’s talk about that one phrase that’s been echoing in our heads – “comparison is the thief of joy.” Can I get an amen? Seriously, how many times have you looked at someone else’s life or business and thought, “I wish I had that”? It’s all too familiar, right?

This comparison thing isn’t gender-specific, but I’ve noticed that us ladies sometimes struggle with it a little bit more more. It’s not just about comparing your business to another business; it’s comparing your entire life to someone else’s. Sound familiar? I bet it does.

Behind Closed Doors

Here’s the deal: what we see on the surface is often a carefully curated version of someone’s life or business. Social media has a way of showing the highlight reel, right? People put their best foot forward, the perfect photos, the success stories. But here’s the thing,  we never really know what’s happening behind closed doors.

So, take that into account the next time you start feeling down because someone seems to be crushing it while you’re struggling. It’s possible they’re not as put together as they seem. It’s possible they’re facing their own challenges, just not posting about it. Remember, you don’t see the full picture.

You’re Your Own Unique Self

You’ve got to wrap your head around this – no one can be you. Seriously, think about it. In your personal life, another woman isn’t your competition. You’re you! You’ve got your unique personality, your awesome traits, and so do they. It’s an apples-and-oranges situation – there’s just no real comparison because everyone’s different.

The same goes for your business. It has its own unique value. There’s a place for everyone in your industry, including you. So, stop worrying about competition, focus on what makes your business special, and let your uniqueness shine.

Attracting the Right People

Now, this is where the magic happens. When you lead with your values, you’ll attract people who resonate with those values. It’s a win-win. In your personal life, your friends and significant others are drawn to you because of your personality, right? They connect with what you bring to the table. It’s the same in business – lead with your values, and you’ll attract the people who should be around you.

Why stress about who others are attracting when you can focus on what values you have to offer? You’re going to attract the clients who should be working with you, the ones who vibe with your values. 

Trust me, those are the people you want to work with. So, again, think about your brand, your business, and what’s unique about it. What do you offer that other people want? How can you help them?

Your Business as a Brand

You might be thinking, “I’m not a brand.” Well, guess what? Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or running a small business with a team, you are a brand. Your business is a brand. It’s time to start presenting yourself that way. Every brand, including yours, has to think about its values.

Your brand values are your guiding light, your North Star. They’re what you lead with, shaping your messaging and the content you put out there. Your brand values are what set you apart from the crowd, making you unique in a sea of competition.

How to Find Your Values

I know it can be challenging to figure out what those values are. You’ll need to dig deep, and this is where the hard work comes in. Take some time to reflect on your ‘why.’ Who do you want to impact? What kind of impact do you want to create? It’s about going deep to understand what you stand for and how you can infuse those values into everything your brand does.

If you’re struggling to find your brand values, you’re not alone. It can be a difficult task. But, hey, I’m here to help. I offer a brand strategy service, where we dive deep into your brand values, helping you discover those unique qualities that set you apart as a business owner. If you’re interested, visit mistandmauvestudio.com and inquire about working with me.

Embrace Your Uniqueness

So there it is – how to STOP the comparison game and embrace your unique self. Comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples to oranges. You’re your own brand, with your own values and your own unique offerings.

Lead with your values, attract the people who resonate with them, and watch your business thrive. Stop stressing about the competition. Instead, focus on what makes you special, and let your individuality shine through.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of self-discovery and business growth. Stay tuned for our next episode, and remember, you’re awesome just the way you are!