While constant comparison can leave you feeling like you don’t measure up, it’s a habit you can break – here’s how.

Define success on your own terms
Often, we feel inadequate because we’re chasing someone else’s version of success. Try to remember that everyone’s journey is different – shaped by different circumstances and opportunities – and take some time to reflect on what a full, meaningful life looks like to you. When you stop measuring your achievements against other peoples’, you should find it much easier to appreciate and celebrate your own progress.

Curate your social media feeds
As you scroll through snapshots of celebrations, vacations, and milestones, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. Even if you’re fully aware that social media is a highlight reel, it can still leave you feeling unhappy, jealous, or inadequate. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to review the accounts you follow. Unfollow ones that trigger envy or self-doubt, and seek out content that inspires, interests, and lifts you up. Look for accounts that offer a healthy variety of perspectives, body types, and lifestyles to remind yourself that real life is diverse and imperfect – and that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.

Practice gratitude
One of the most effective buffers against comparison is gratitude. When you’re always focused on what other people have, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s already good in your own life. Try building a daily gratitude practice by listing three things you’re thankful for each morning, whether it’s your health, the people you love, or a quality that makes you unique. It doesn’t need to take you long – it’s the commitment and consistency that counts. Over time, this simple practice will gradually shift your focus away from what you think you’re lacking, and towards an appreciation of what you have. And this will make it much harder for comparison to take hold.