We all do it. Whether it’s flat abs, a cute jacket, her hair, his car, their vacation, what another person in the restaurant is eating, how another kid hit the ball, how many “Likes” she has on Facebook, or he’s in the checkout line that’s moving faster. That icky tendency to compare tempts us daily, and it can become very unhealthy, exhausting and unproductive (2 Corinthians 10:12).
So here, at the All In Mom blog and the social media connected to it, I’ve declared “The No Compare Zone!” I’m not out here documenting my every move to have you look at us and say, “I’m doing a terrible job with my kids,” or just the opposite “I’m doing waaaay better with my kids.” I want you to find something useful, something fun, a new mission, a peace and a joy. Something that may give you the next big idea for all of us. We’re in this thing together and if I can help you with something I’m doing…awesome! If you can leave feedback and help me improve what I’m doing…awesome! Let’s take care of one another. Ok?
5 Ways to Counter Your Comparing
1. Stop and thank God for their growth. Who you are comparing yourself to didn’t come out of the womb awesome. There was a process for that person. Celebrate their achievement and their process to get to where they are.
2. Grab the golden nugget for you and your family. Sometimes God uses people to show you something. Identify that special nugget, make a note of it and apply it. Leave the rest of the fluff out.
3. Give a compliment to the person. What better way to stop looking at what you are or are not doing, what you are or are not wearing than to say a kind, encouraging word to that someone.
4. Say “STOP (your name here)” out loud and encourage yourself. Train yourself to give yourself a pat on the back. You really are awesome! We continuously see all the things we are NOT doing. Take a moment to celebrate the good you ARE doing. It matters!
5. Clean house! Distraction overload comes into our phones and computers all day long. Turn off some of your social media feeds or unsubscribe to some of the more tempting emails coming into your inbox. That picture of the dress from Macy’s, jacket from Kohl’s and shoes from Nordstrom isn’t necessary. When you need them…you know where to find them.