I’m in the transformation business, and you often see me posting before and after photos of health, beauty, and fitness transformations.
While some people find them inspiring, others are deflated.
Just as you wouldn’t compare a watermelon to a walnut, a cat to a canary, or a burrito to a fudge brownie, you should not be comparing your unique self to anyone else on the planet.
Transformation pictures are meant to show you what’s possible.
Don’t compare yourself to someone else’s before and after.
Most of us can’t help but play the comparison game, even though we know that comparison is the thief of joy.
Last year I did a major remodel on my kitchen. I LOVE it! It was a fantastic face-lift and great use of the existing space. Every morning I feel extra cheerful while fixing my coffee, and I’ve even started enjoying cooking again. I am in love!
Recently a friend did a major remodel on her kitchen. The transformation is a total WOW! Stunning. And seeing her beautiful new kitchen made me feel a little less in love with my gorgeous kitchen. (Someone, please slap me)
My husband (aka Red Suspenders) is a master gardener and stone mason. He has created our property into a thing of beauty. Yet, when he shows me before and after photos of his client’s projects, I often say something stupid like, “why can’t we have nice things?”
“We DO have nice things!” he reminds me.
Men are so sensible. Usually (LOL)
I was never a great athlete. I was always intimidated by those who were more talented or agile. And for that reason, I never even tried to work at improving my skills in any sport. I compared their skills to mine and talked myself out of trying to improve.
When I was 40 years old, I became a runner. Not the best, but pretty good! Here’s what running taught me. I learned to compete with myself and improve my pace and stamina, comparing my latest runs with my previous runs, no one else’s.
If we always pay attention to what’s on the other side of the fence, we will never improve and appreciate what we have in our own backyard.
It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. I still do it and regularly remind myself to take my advice.
Keep leveling up and improving on whatever it is you want to change.
Remember, YOU are who your competition is.
