How to Stop Shrinking and Start Shining

Struggling with comparison on social media? Discover how to stop spiralling into self-doubt and build resilience by embracing your unique path.

Have you ever innocently clicked on someone’s social media profile and suddenly found yourself spiralling into the rabbit hole of comparison?

I did this recently.

They spoke about resilience, my favourite topic.

Naturally, I was curious. So, I clicked.

Then I found their website. It was brilliant. Well-organised, clear programs, big-name clients, sleek design. They offered similar services and spoke about challenges and solutions that resonated with me.

That’s when the little voice in my head piped up and says:

“They’re miles ahead.”

“You’ll never get there.”

“They are way better at marketing their message”

I could feel myself slipping into that familiar feeling of ‘not enoughness’.

But here’s the beauty, I noticed what was happening.

I breathed and acknowledged the feeling.

I closed my eyes and placed all the thoughts associated with that feeling on a cloud.

I kept breathing until the cloud disappeared into the distance.

Comparison is a Thief, Not a Teacher

Comparison is the dis-ease of looking sideways instead of forward.

It infects your confidence, clouds your clarity and drains your energy. If left unchecked, it can quietly sabotage your self-belief.

So, how do you prevent the fall and how do you rise when it happens?

5 Ways to STOP Yourself Falling Down the Rabbit Hole of Comparison

1. Recognise the Trigger

Was it their follower count? Their client list? Their glossy sales page? Spot the exact thing that stirred your comparison. Awareness is your first line of defence.

2. Remind Yourself: You’re Not Behind. You’re On Your Path

You’re not late. You’re not less. You’re building your business your way. They have their journey. You have yours. Your message will land with your people in a way no one else’s can.

3. Mute, Unfollow, or Pause

It’s not petty. It’s protective. If someone’s content keeps throwing you into comparison, give yourself a breather. Curate your feed to nourish your confidence, not chip away at it.

4. Have a “Why” Reminder Ready

Keep a screenshot, a sticky note, or a pinned post that reminds you why you do what you do. Anchor back into your vision and mission. That’s where the gold is.

5. Use the Comparison as a Clarity Mirror

Instead of spiralling, ask: What am I really admiring? A clear offer? Strong branding? Use it as inspiration to refine your own voice and not erase it.

5 Quick Ways to Climb Back Out When You’ve Slipped In

1. Reconnect With Your Unique Magic

Read your own testimonials. Revisit a moment you made a difference. Remind yourself of the impact you’ve already had.

2. Journal It Out

Write down what you're feeling without judgment. Then write what’s true. Hint: the truth usually starts with “I am enough because…”

3. Switch From Consuming to Creating

Get off their page and onto yours. Share a tip. Record a video. Write a post. Shift the energy from watching to serving.

4. Text a Truth-Teller

That friend or coach, mentor, business partner who sees your brilliance when you forget. Call them. Let them remind you of who truly are.

5. Move Your Body, Shift Your State

A quick walk. A song and dance break. Breathwork. Whatever gets you back into your energy, do it. The body remembers what the mind forgets.

Resilience Is Staying Rooted in Your Own Lane

Resilience isn’t just about handling big life blows. It’s also about these tiny, everyday moments of self-leadership. The micro-decisions where you say:

“I choose me.” “I trust my journey.” “I will stay in my lane and shine in my own way.”

Your voice, your values, your vision they matter.

The world doesn’t need a carbon copy of someone else.

It needs the real, radiant, resilient YOU.

With love and gratitude.

Categories: : Mindset, Resilience, Stress