First Published 29 June 2023

Living the ‘Glossy’ Life?

This week I am going to quote Rob Lowe of all people…!  As his son was going off to college, he told him:

“Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outside”

I came across this on a training call earlier this week and it has just stuck with me!  It’s kind of profound (well I thought so anyway!)

How often do we compare ourselves and our lives to other people?  Whether they are on social media, magazines, TV and film, gossip, or any other medium.

When we do get stuck in that space of comparison-itis, how easy do we find it to climb back out?

As I love a good set of top tips…. here are some suggestions that might be helpful!

1. Remember that social media is not reality.  There are so many filters these days that give old school airbrushing a run for their money.  Remember that most people only post what they want others to see – whether it is the perfect figure or face, or the perfect house that is spotless – it’s not an accurate representation of every day life!
2. Focus on your own life.  What do you want?  What do you aspire to have?  We can’t live anyone else’s lives or dreams – and if we try we will lose who we authentically are.  If you focus on you, you will have less energy to focus on others – you only have one life – live it your way!
3. Limit your time on social media/glossy magazines.  The more time you spend looking at other’s lives, the more likely you are to compare yourself to them. Maybe set a timer for yourself on social media and stick to it.  Doom scrolling is also a time suck! What else could you be doing with that time?
4. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad.  Don’t get stuck in the FOMO loop (Fear Of Missing Out) – it’s ok to unfollow, unsubscribe or change the channel!
5. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.   These are the people who will help you to feel confident and happy, and they’ll remind you that you’re perfect just the way you are – so find your tribe/cheer squad/*insert other cool group name of your choosing here*.
6. Practice self-compassion.  When you make a mistake or don’t measure up to your own expectations, be kind to yourself. We all make mistakes. Remind yourself that you’re human, dust yourself off, get back up and keep going.
7. Focus on the positive.  Make a conscious, intentional effort to focus on the positives in your life.  Even if you think there aren’t any – you will find them if you look for them with an open mind.  What are you grateful for? What are you good at?  
8. Seek professional help if needed.  That would be my shameless plug! Come have a chat or book in with me if you are really stuck in the comparison rabbit hole and the above just isn’t cutting it…

And that’s it for this week – here’s to a happy positive week where we focus on making ourselves the best versions of ourselves and not some one else!