Never compare yourself to others 20 Quotes
- “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
- “Don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 20.”
- “Your path is unique; comparing it to others is like comparing apples to oranges.”
- “Focus on your progress, not someone else’s.”
- “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”
- “Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.”
- “You are enough, just as you are.”
- “Celebrate your own journey, not someone else’s destination.”
- “Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone else’s success.”
- “Run your own race.”
- “Comparison is an act of violence against the self.”
- “Everyone is walking a different path, so don’t compare your steps.”
- “Embrace your own pace.”
- “Your story is unique, and that’s what makes it beautiful.”
- “Don’t dim your light so someone else can shine brighter.”
- “Your worth is not determined by external validation.”
- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
- “The only competition you have is with yourself.”
- “You are not in a race against anyone else.”
- “True success is measured by your own growth, not by comparisons.”
I used to compare myself as a runner
When I first started running, it was my dad who got me into it. And I always thought, gosh he’s so much stronger and faster at running than me. He looks like his legs are moving better, and it all looked, just “better” than me. I thought, “I need to run like he does”. And I’d try to do that. But it was really hard. And I understand why only now, years later.
My dad is a different human altogether. He’s a man too and men and women are built differently. He doesn’t smoke, eats very well and has great mental health.
He’s also quite a bit older than me (obviously!). As I write this, I’m 28 and he’s in his late 50’s so he’s about 30 years older than me. So I would always think “gosh, I’m so unfit”. when I’d watch him and try and learn. But actually, I wasn’t unfit; I was running with my dad say 2 times a week, and he’s completed several races!
My dad, the ‘better’ runner
My dad has done his fair share of marathons. On 28th October 2017, he completed his second marathon, racing in Snowdonia, England (UK). He absolutely smashed it in 4:29:16.
He’s done even the Ironman race. There’s even a race called “Race the train“. Yes, you literally start at the same time as an actual, physical train, and you race against the clock. He’s done that too.
So, there’s 18 year old (ish) me, comparing myself to this man. You see how crazy that is!
Who I compare myself to now
Me! I make a conscious effort to compare myself to previous me. Because that’s the only person you can compare yourself to. I know what makes ME feel good, and how I can feel successful, like I’ve done better than I have before. That’s why I make commitments to go the gym every week (ideally 2-3 times). I make an effort to go to a gym class like a yoga or pilates class. And I do my stretches before and after the gym exercises. I now take my resistance bands every time I go to the gym so I can do the movements that improve my running. Not compared to my more experienced dad, or anyone else. Just me.
When I go for a run, I’ll try and improve the time or feel stronger each time. But I won’t beat myself up, and I definitely don’t look at anyone else at the gym (on the treadmill) or any other runners I might pass if I’m running outside.
And I feel amazing for it. So, never compare yourself to others. Focus on your own health and running journey.
How to not compare yourself to other runners
I posted a reel on Instagram talking about how to not compare yourself to the next runner from my experience.
My top tips: Never compare yourself!
Enjoy the process! Not every run will be the best feeling ever, and that’s okay. Never delete pictures of your runs! Every run counts, even if it’s 10 minutes. Celebrate every win! Strength training, a run/race, and pilates.. all helps to improve YOUR journey.
Motivate yourself! That’s why I started posting on Instagram (as lifeofamissfit) to log my runs and my successes. Next up, here’s my take on how much volume to increase in your running.
Written by Katie McDonald, Updated 15th March 2025
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