Breaking the Cycle of Negative Comparison
We all know the feeling of scrolling through social media and comparing ourselves to others. We see the perfect bodies, the successful careers, and the seemingly perfect lives, and we can't help but feel like we're coming up short. But what if we told you that there is a way to break the cycle of negative comparison and improve your self-esteem?
Meet Jane, a 28-year-old who struggled with low self-esteem for years. She constantly compared herself to others and felt like she was never good enough. But one day, she decided enough was enough. She was tired of feeling inadequate and decided to take control of her thoughts and emotions. What sets Jane apart from most people is that she decided to take action. All that she wanted was to feel confident, sexy, and not have to pretend to be okay when she wasn’t. She reached out to me and signed up for my 3-month Confident Millennial Program.
Here are some of the strategies that Jane has used to break the cycle of negative comparison and improve her self-esteem:
Challenge negative thoughts: When Jane caught herself having negative thoughts, she learned to challenge them. She would ask herself if the thought was true, if it was helpful, and if there was any evidence to support it. By questioning her negative thoughts, she was able to see them in a more realistic light.
Practice gratitude: Jane realized that she was focusing too much on what she didn't have and not enough on what she did have. So, she started a gratitude journal and wrote down three things she was grateful for each day. This helped her shift her focus to the positive things in her life and appreciate what she had.
Build self-confidence: Jane realized that part of her negative comparison came from a lack of self-confidence. So, she made a list of her strengths and accomplishments, and started reminding herself of them daily. She also set small, achievable goals for herself and celebrated each time she reached one.
Learn to accept compliments: Jane was used to brushing off compliments and not believing them. But she realized that by not accepting compliments, she was also not accepting her own worth. So, she started practicing saying "thank you" when someone complimented her, and it helped her start to believe in herself more.
Take care of yourself: Lastly, Jane realized that self-care was crucial for her self-esteem. She started exercising regularly, eating healthy, and taking time for herself to relax and recharge.
By following these strategies, Jane was able to break the cycle of negative comparison and improve her self-esteem. She learned to appreciate and value herself, and she no longer felt like she was coming up short.
"Working with Cecilia as my self-esteem coach was truly life-changing. From the very first session, I noticed a difference in how I showed up in the world. The sensations were subtle yet deep - feelings of ease and courage to express myself from within. Cecilia helped me strengthen my connection to my younger, tenacious self - the essence of curiosity, courage, and conviction. One of the most impactful things I learnt was challenging myself, and stepping out of my comfort zone made me more confident. Very practical methods.”
You too can break the cycle of negative comparison and improve your self-esteem. Remember to challenge negative thoughts, practice gratitude, build self-confidence, learn to accept compliments, and take care of yourself. It's time to start valuing and loving yourself for who you are.