In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of comparing yourself to others. Social media bombards you with images of successful people, from career milestones, physical achievements and beauty. This may leave you feeling inadequate. Negative comparisons rob you of the joy you deserve, leave you with a sense of failure and cloud your judgment about yourself. How many times have you felt you are not good enough because you don’t measure up to someone else’s standards? This is my warning on why you should stop negatively comparing yourself to others.

Unhealthy or negative comparisons lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement. The person to whom you compare yourself may not even exist! They may have altered their photos and are not as perfect as they appear. They may be in debt to have the fancy things they have. They may be famous and have a personal trainer and make-up artist so they look perfect all the time.

You know what I mean, right? When you compare yourself to all the successful, perfect people, you never fit in.

When I began practicing martial arts, I struggled with this very thing. I wasn’t as athletic, skilled, or experienced as some of the others. I watched them perform effortlessly while I struggled to learn and I often felt frustrated that I couldn’t keep up. I tried imitating their style and movements to be more like them so I would also excel. But instead of improving, I hit a wall. My attempts to mold myself into someone else’s form of success only led to disappointment.

I finally found true progress when I stopped comparing myself to other martial artists and began focusing on my own unique journey. I realized that martial arts are not about being the best or replicating others. They are about pushing personal limits, growing at your own pace, and celebrating small victories. Once I embraced my personal path to success, I achieved more than I ever imagined.

I found myself standing out in my own way. I went from being a small-town martial artist in Parrish, FL to writing for magazines and being invited as a guest on podcasts to share my unique blend of positivity and martial art mindset. None of that would have happened if I followed those I thought were better.

Everyone’s journey is different. Yes, there is always someone better but they are better in a different way than you. You will find personal success when you focus on your own goals, skills and talents and not how you think you stack up to others.

More info here:

PODCAST!  The Martial Arts Woman Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea-harkins

BOOKS: 

• The Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213
• How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program: https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263
• Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
•  Write Amazing Wedding Vows: https://www.amazon.com/Write-Amazing-Wedding-Step-Step/dp/172339484X