Freedom from Comparison: The Bridge To Your Own Unique Resilience

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media or sat in a room of peers thinking “I should be further along

by now”—you’re not alone.

Comparison is one of the most common obstacles to building resilience. It keeps us focused on what

others have instead of what we need, what we’re learning, and who we’re becoming.

And it’s more than a mindset. It’s a trap.

Recent research shows:

Social media comparison increases depression symptoms by 41% (Digital Wellness, 2024)

Comparison-focused thinking can reduce goal achievement by 33% (Motivation Science, 2023)

“Comparison fasting” boosts self-esteem by 28% (Positive Psychology, 2024)

76% of people feel more authentic when they stop tracking others (Social Psychology, 2023)

But here’s the good news: freedom is possible.

It starts with tuning in to your own needs and priorities—not someone else’s pace or path.

At the heart of the PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST method are three steps:

Tune In to where you are and what you need

Plan with options and choices rooted in your strengths and what matters most

Be Your Best by acting with purpose and living your resilience from the inside out

Experience The Three Steps of Resilience

Take this moment to focus on and build your resilience. I invite you to grab a pen and paper, open your

Notes in your phone, or use The Three Steps of Resilience Worksheet—a free download here .

[ https://rickcram.com/cadre/]

Capture and consider your answers to the following questions.

Tune In

When you compare yourself to others, what are the words that come to mind?

What feelings do you experience?

As you reflect on your answers, what do you learn about yourself, and what do you need?

Plan

What would you say to a friend who shared those thoughts and feelings with you?

Imagine yourself one month from now living free from making comparisons, stronger in your own

unique resilience. Describe the changes you see.

Write down three small, achievable goals—new thoughts, emotions and/or actions you’ll take—to living

that freedom.

Be Your Best

Consistently practice those goals with a sense of purpose, and write down what you experience.

No one else’s journey looks exactly like yours—and that’s your strength.

No one else’s resiliency looks exactly like yours—and that’s yours to claim.

Celebrate your progress, even the smallest of victories.

You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Want to explore your own path to resilience?

I invite you to schedule a Resilience Planning Call with me at RickCram.com

Join me live every Tuesday night on Cadre for “Your Resilience Coaching Studio.” Or share this

with someone who needs a little encouragement this week.

Rick Cram is a Resilience Coach equipping individuals and groups to PLAN TO BE YOUR BEST …As

You Navigate Pain.