Do you play the comparison game?
We’ve all done it at some point, comparing ourselves to others at work. For some it may be a non-factor, just a passing thought. For others it affects how they show up & feel. Comparison may seem innocent enough, however it has another side.
One of the most silent challenges I’ve seen and hear of in the workplace isn’t about skills or performance it’s about comparisons.
It’s natural to look at colleagues and measure ourselves against where they are, what they’ve achieved, or how quickly they seem to be moving forward. But here’s the problem: comparison rarely fuels real growth. More often, it creates distraction, discouragement, and even burnout.
Why Comparisons Hold Us Back
On the surface, comparing ourselves to others can feel motivating. But over time, it usually works against us.
Different paths, different paces. Someone else’s promotion or recognition may have more to do with timing, opportunity, or their goals — not your ability.
Distorted focus. Comparison can shift our attention away from what we want and push us toward chasing what someone else has.
Confidence drain. Even when you’re doing well, measuring against others can make your progress feel “less than.”
Risk of burnout. Trying to “catch up” often leads to overwork without meaningful satisfaction.
Signs You’re Caught in the Comparison Trap
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Some telltale signs include:
Feeling deflated after hearing about someone else’s success.
Using other people’s milestones as your measuring stick.
Being driven more by “keeping up” than by pursuing what truly matters to you.
Struggling to celebrate your own wins because they don’t feel big enough compared to someone else’s.
Here’s how you can break Free from the Trap
The good news is, comparison doesn’t have to be the lens you view your career through. Here are shifts that can help:
Turn competition into inspiration. Instead of “Why not me?” ask, “What can I learn from this person’s journey?”
Anchor to your own metrics. Define success based on what matters to you not your peers, not LinkedIn, not company rankings.
Celebrate progress. Big or small, recognize the steps you’re taking and the growth you’ve already achieved.
Be intentional with what you consume. Social feeds, company announcements, and peer updates can inspire, but they can also overwhelm. Choose what fuels you.
A Final Thought for you
Comparison is human but growth is personal. The more time you spend tracking what others are doing, the less energy you have to invest in yourself. The real progress happens when you run your own race, at your own pace.
We at Thrive & Co. encourage you to explore ways to embrace and appreciate your uniqueness, and if you would like ways to explore creating a mindset shift for yourself we have a simple tools suggestion that could help you.
Start a daily or weekly ritual whereby you write down one thing you’ve noticed you do well and it’s impact, put it in your journal, on a post-it, in your phone, make it visible and accessible for you to see then look back at it, notice and appreciate your unique talent and how you make a difference. Simple steps create momentum, momentum creates growth. and growth gives you the power to change.
