The Danger of Comparison

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been interested in business. 

While I didn’t formally study business in school, I spent the last twenty years reading every business book I’ve come across, attended seminars and workshops at world-class universities, and I’ve listened to endless podcasts, always eager to learn more.  

Through these experiences I had the opportunity to understand the best practices in the field. I’ve also learned from people who have got rich quick, and those who have withstood the test of time.  

Every story had a struggle, but success seemed possible. Actually, it seemed more than possible if you had a good idea/product, a willingness to learn, and sheer determination. 

So, after so many years of learning, I decided to put what I’ve learned into practice.  

Except success didn’t come as easily as I thought it would. I’m not sure what I expected, especially as I’ve heard how many businesses fail, but I thought my business would grow faster than it did. Or as fast as some of the case studies I learned from. 

Upon further investigation, I began to realize that there was a lot of information omitted from these so-called success stories. 

The 40-year-old who left her highly successful career to launch her own consultancy business had collected hundreds of connections and clients over the years. In her field. It was a seamless transition. 

Or the young entrepreneur who made over a million dollars in his first year, also invested $500,000 of his (or rather his family’s) money into marketing his business to get it off the ground.  

I also learned that some of the business leaders I follow on social media have entire teams to test and produce content.  

I don’t have any of these things.  

So, why am I comparing myself to those who do?  

Following role models is important. It’s also important to learn what works and what doesn’t from those who paved the way before me. This is how we move forward and grow.  

Yet, comparing myself to uber successful entrepreneurs is unrealistic. I should know better. 

I should compare myself to myself, not others. 

I also need to remember that any movement forward is positive. Any new (or repeat) partnerships, clients, or connections is a success.  

I don’t have to make millions. That was never my aim. As a social enterprise our goal is to help people and organizations be more successful with the tools and skills we’ve learned. We do this part-time because we love our current jobs. We also give 50% of our profits back to the community.  

We are on a different level, with a different goal than many of the people or businesses I’ve studied. I don’t need to do what they’re doing.  

I need to stay focused on serving a few and growing incrementally.  

This is a message I often have to tell myself. It may be a message you need to tell yourself too. 

As a challenge this week, I encourage you to consider what success means to you. Not what success looks like to others. Work towards that goal. Try to improve, little by little, every day. 

In the end, that’s what success is: being a little bit better than we were yesterday.  

Best wishes, Lauren