69. The Power of Gratitude to Change our Habit of Comparing Ourselves to Others

The Habit Thrive Podcast ~ Self Care Habits, Mindfulness & Wellness Routines for Women 50 & Beyond

How many times have you ever been reading a magazine, watching a TV show or movie or even hanging out with a friend and thought🤔 something like:

“Gee, I wish I could be that fit/rich/smart…”

Or

“I would give anything to have her sense of style…”

Or

“I sure would like it if my garden could be that big and bountiful…”

Me, too.🙋‍♀️

This habit of social comparison is a fairly common one.

And today, on Episode 69 of the Habit Thrive Podcast, we are going to take a look at how we can use that habit to strengthen our gratitude muscles.💪

The first thing to understand is that you are not alone in your social comparison habit!

Comparison is a natural human tendency, deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and in our primitive brains.🧠

✅We compete with our siblings for our parents’ attention.

✅We compete with classmates and teammates for awards and recognition.

✅We compete with other professionals for jobs and promotions.

And sometimes this leads to negative consequences for our mental well-being.

But if we can recognize the areas where our social comparison habit rears its head, we can use the opportunity to stop, take a moment and flip the narrative in our brains into a positive feeling of gratitude instead.

Because, let’s face it, social media puts the opportunity for social comparison front and center 24/7.😬

There are groups about organizing, parenting, gardening and cooking.

Experts (both self-proclaimed and otherwise) in health and fitness, nutrition, DIY and being a stay-at-home parent.

It would be so easy to go down a rabbit hole of comparison that leaves you feeling like you aren’t doing enough.😖

But if we take that beat, take a breath, and ask ourselves how we can turn this narrative into positive, forward movement for us and those around us, we can utilize our social comparison for getting those gratitude muscles stronger.

Eliminate👊 the negative chatter that makes you feel bad.

Take notes✍️ on ideas that you think can help you improve in your next chapter, and start implementing those ideas.

Turn that social comparison habit on its head, and start looking at your future self with optimism and excitement!🙌

Lorrie xoxox

Mentioned in this podcast:
Episode #49: An Interview with Clutter Expert Mel Mason

Want to know your dosha? Take the quiz at chopra.com

Loving the show? Let’s connect! Find me:

Facebook: Women's Wellness Community: For women wanting to rock their “Me Now” Years

Instagram: @Habitguru365

Website: lorriemickelson.com

Habits, Mindfulness Routines & Self Care for Women 50 & Beyond