The Reality

On social media, you can find countless people living your desired lifestyle.

Fit body. Lots of money. Always having fun.

Why them? Why not you?

Social media has created the illusion that everyone is wildly successful at everything they do.

With that in mind, it’s natural to find someone who embodies your fitness goals and compare your progress to theirs. If they have the physique you aspire to, it's understandable to look up to them.

You may try to copy them perfectly, imitating their routines, only to find that your body changes in ways that make you look entirely different, and you feel a way that doesn't match what your idol preaches. Perhaps you'll find yourself unable to even do the things they attribute to their success.

After spinning your wheels for some time, you'll likely move on, looking for the next idol to compare yourself to.

The Problem

Comparison to others will only lead to disappointment.

What you see is often only a snapshot of reality.

Idols often excel at capturing their high points while concealing the lows. This results in a captivating portrayal of ordinary individuals, making others want to follow and emulate them.

This is commonly observed in the fitness and nutrition realm because the actions taken often result in improved physical appearance, which many people desire. People like to look good, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The problem begins when you begin to compare yourself to these people.

Online, regular people can snapshot their circumstances to appear larger than life. In rare cases, they are.

An Incomplete Picture

Keep this in mind: The online influencers and the incredibly fit individuals you encounter in your daily life are multifaceted and dynamic.

There is so much more to people than what you see in a small snapshot of their lives. They have struggles, successes, and a wide range of capabilities. Even with your closest friends and family, you only see a portion of their lives.

Comparing your life to the life of another in a completely different situation is detrimental to your success.

With fitness and nutrition, other people have:

• Different amounts of risk tolerances

• More amounts of money, time, and other resources

• Better genetics

• Training backgrounds

• Greater access to assistance

• Skills at capturing their aesthetics

There are countless variables. Many of which you cannot see when inspecting them from the outside. Variables that can completely alter the results that a person can achieve.

Individuals with lots of money and time can often become more fit and healthy because they can invest more resources into their progress. Those with a training background, or access to assistance, have the advantage of knowledge and can build on a strong foundation. People with an eye for aesthetics can make anyone look good.

Others have gifts and abilities that do not impact your results.

One Comparison

All the factors that impact your results are personal.

Your genetics matter.

Your background matters.

Your skill set matters.

Instead of comparing your constraints to the incomplete picture of another person, and getting demotivated when the results are unexpected, compare yourself to yourself.

The only person you need to compare yourself to is your past self.

The goal is, and will always be, to be a better version of yourself each day. You have to work with the gifts and abilities that you have. You cannot change your background or genetics, but you can work with them to create the best version of yourself.

Outlift yourself.

Eat healthier than yourself.

Look better and feel better than yourself.

Competing with yourself is the only fair caparison that can be made.

Summary

• Social media often creates an unrealistic portrayal of success.

• Comparing yourself to others leads to disappointment and frustration.

• Influencers and fit individuals have unique advantages and struggles that aren't visible.

• Focus on your own genetics, background, and skills.

• Strive to be a better version of yourself each day.