Do you ever find yourself playing comparison games?

I had an experience a few weeks ago while rock climbing. I’d just succeeded in climbing the most technically difficult climb of my life after spending over a month working on it. I’d go practice the climb, the head to the gym to train the specific fitness I’d need. After working and working, I finally got it! Just then, a group of climbers showed up and used that route as an “easy warmup” before heading to harder climbs.

My bruised ego started playing games immediately: “If I had as much time as these folks to climb, this would be easy for me too.” To be clear, I have no idea how much time they spend climbing. “Wow, they’re so much better than I am, I’ll never be impressive.”

Not too long ago, I’d have spent days agonizing over this experience, playing comparison games and, ultimately, wishing I was someone else.

In this week’s post, I unpack this experience and share three key mindset shifts that helped me free myself from ego-driven comparison games. These thoughts will help you

Catch your ego early so you don’t go down a spiral of negative thinking
Embrace your own circumstance as a key part of your identity
Grow towards your ideals without self-criticism

If you are your biggest critic, then I wrote this post for you! The attitude adjustments I share helped me develop a personal mantra that has caused my personal and professional growth to skyrocket:

“If you’re the best in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

If your ego is holding you back from being your best self, listen to this podcast episode and give yourself a chance to eliminate that energy drain from your life!

The Small Stuff

Tony FerrarBy Tony FerrarOct 21, 2019