Being Human 101: Comparisonitis. Why Do I Always Feel Behind?

About this video

• Video Title: Being Human 101: Comparisonitis. Why Do I Always Feel Behind?
• Channel: Certified Life Coach Institute
• Speakers: Brooke, Anthony, Sam
• Duration: 1:00:54

Overview

This video discusses the concept of "comparisonitis," the feeling of always being behind others, and explores why humans engage in comparison, its potential benefits, and its significant drawbacks, particularly in the context of social media and personal development. The hosts also touch upon how these comparisons manifest in clients seeking coaching and how coaches should ethically approach these issues.

Key takeaways

• Comparison is natural but can be detrimental: While humans naturally compare themselves for self-evaluation and improvement, it often leads to negative self-perception and feelings of inadequacy, especially when comparing against curated online personas.
• Benefits of comparison are limited: In specific contexts like developmental milestones, comparison can signal a need for intervention. It can also serve as initial motivation or inspiration, though this is often superficial.
• Social media exacerbates comparison: The curated highlight reels on social media fuel unrealistic comparisons, making individuals feel behind and inadequate.
• Comparison can lead to outsourcing identity: Relying on external comparisons for self-worth can lead to a loss of personal identity and making decisions that don't align with one's core values.
• Ethical coaching requires self-awareness: Coaches should avoid predatory sales tactics that rely on making potential clients feel inferior. True coaching focuses on the client's internal motivations and values, not on replicating the coach's specific achievements.
• "Better" needs to be defined: When clients express a desire to be "better," coaches should help them define what that means specifically for them, rather than relying on vague societal or external standards.
• Comparison impacts clients and coaches: Clients often seek coaching due to feelings of inadequacy stemming from comparison. Coaches, too, can fall into comparison traps regarding their own success and their clients' progress.