Stop Comparing Yourself to Highlight Reels (and Start Getting Real) – June 9th

Every day, we scroll through crowds of smiling faces, perfect workouts, and career wins -

only to close the app feeling like we’re not measuring up. It’s a dopamine loop that hooks us

on other people’s victories, while our own progress feels invisible. The truth is comparison

steals joy and cripples performance.

You’ve seen the perfect Instagram feeds - smiling, tan, winning. But behind that highlight

reel, people crash hard.

Just look at how Sam Guggenheimer opened up about depression, anxiety, and an eating

disorder despite her glossy Instagram feed. Her story is a coach’s dream lesson: vulnerability

beats façade every time.

Why comparison derails you

 You see someone’s best moments and forget they have crappy days too.

 The “likes” buzz feels like validation - until it doesn’t.

 You start chasing other people’s timelines, not your own.

How to flip the script

1. Limit passive scrolling. Block social time to 10–15 minutes, max.

2. Journal one real win daily. No filters needed - just “I nailed that call” or “I smashed

a 4:30/km rep.”

3. Move your body. Even a 20-minute jog or gym session resets your mood and

sharpens focus.

4. Share a small truth. Tell a friend one thing you struggled with today. Authentic

connection kills comparison.

The bottom line: Your worth isn’t in other people’s highlight reels. It’s in your messy,

imperfect, real journey - and that’s where the magic happens.