Instagram:

vs. REALITY:

You’ve heard it before, but here’s a reminder - Instagram is a highlight reel. Pic #1:

• Took 10+ years of work and education (lifting consistently, eating well, etc.)

• I flexed so hard my head was about to explode

• I kept my shirt on to hide my lack of ab definition

• I chose the most flattering picture with the best lighting, out of ~30 options

• I edited it to accentuate my veins and striations

VS. Pic #2:

• No pump

• No flex

• No tank top

• No edit

• How I look for 23 hours and 59 minutes every day
  

There are, and always will be, MILLIONS of more muscular, stronger, leaner, and better looking people. Some may consider this a disheartening fact, but on the contrary, I find it freeing. 

Clichés are clichés for a reason- because they’re true! (some cliché inception here). My favorites:

• Comparison is the thief of joy

• Don’t compare your day 1 to someone’s day 1000

• Be better than you were yesterday

In 2021, my resolution is to measure my progress compared to my PAST self, not to other people whose background/situation/genetics I do not know. A simple concept in theory, but there are certainly times when it’s just not enough to quiet that annoying, restless critic that takes up residence in the back of my mind

 If the clichés don’t suffice, here are helpful, actionable tips:

• Limit social media 

• Track long term progress 

• Celebrate wins + make gratitude lists

• Focus on performance (i.e. strength, aerobic capacity, etc.), instead of aesthetics

Social comparison is an innate human trait; unless you can override thousands of years of biological evolution, there is no getting around it! We can, though, minimize negative emotion and nurture our mental health by shifting our focus inward toward reflection and gratitude.