Comparison is one of the fastest ways to ruin your confidence. You look at what everyone else is doing, achieving, building, posting, becoming, and suddenly your life feels smaller. You start asking the wrong questions. Why am I not there yet. Why is he doing better. Why does it look so easy for everyone else.

But comparison is not truth.
Comparison is a distorted mirror.
You are measuring your life against the highlights of someone’s best moments.

I learned that clearly while interviewing Jordan Litz, who plays Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. His story is a reminder that comparison is a trap, and confidence comes from focusing on your own path.

Here is what helped me break the comparison cycle.

Comparison Makes Other People Look Superhuman

There was a moment when Jordan said something that every guy needs to hear:

“Those guys are superhuman.”

He wasn’t saying they actually were.
He was describing how comparison makes them feel.

When you compare yourself to people who have more experience, more reps, or more time in the game, you make their talent look mythical and make your progress look meaningless.

It is not real.
It is not accurate.
It is not helpful.

Comparison exaggerates their strengths and shrinks yours.

If this is something you feel daily, read How To Stop Overthinking Everything next.

Everyone You Compare Yourself To Started Somewhere

One of the strongest grounding lines he shared was this:

“I found musical theater at 26.”

Not at 16.
Not at 20.
Not when everyone else was getting a head start.

He started at 26 and still made it to Broadway.

Comparison convinces you that you are behind.
Reality reminds you that you are simply on your timeline.

No one’s path is perfectly linear.
No one’s growth is perfectly timed.
No one’s success is without detours.

Your journey is not supposed to match anyone else’s.

You Can Only Grow By Focusing on What You Control

Jordan said something that has stayed with me:

“You can take the skill set you already have and apply it to something new.”

Comparison makes you obsess over what you lack.
Confidence comes from remembering what you already carry.

You are not empty.
You are not starting from zero.
You are not as behind as you think you are.

You already have skills, experiences, lessons, and strengths that can be redirected into the life you want. Comparison blinds you to that. Focus brings it back.

If you want to feel less behind, read How To Build Confidence When Your Life Feels Behind.

The Fear Behind Comparison Is Normal

The comparison spiral often starts with fear. Fear of failing. Fear of looking stupid. Fear of trying something new and being the “worst one” in the room.

Jordan admitted it openly:

“I was terrified.”

Fear is not the problem.
Staying stuck because of fear is the problem.

Most comparison comes from avoiding the discomfort of being new at something. But every person you admire once felt like they didn’t belong. You only see the version of them that made it through the insecurity.

People Aren’t Judging You the Way You Think

This is the line that frees you:

“Stop taking everything so seriously. People aren’t judging you the way you think.”

That is the truth behind comparison.

No one is analyzing you the way you analyze yourself.
No one is tracking your timeline the way you track theirs.
No one is grading your progress with the harshness you do.

Most people are too busy trying to figure out their own lives to judge yours.

The moment you stop performing for imaginary critics, your confidence comes back.

Where You Go From Here

Comparison is loud.
But your life gets a lot clearer when you lower the volume.

Remember:

You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are not supposed to match someone else’s life.

Your path is your path.
Your timing is your timing.
Your story is your story.

Shift your focus back to yourself, and the comparison evaporates.

For your next step, read How Do I Find My Purpose When I Feel Lost.

FAQ

Why do I compare myself to everyone?
Because your brain looks for shortcuts to measure progress. Comparison feels easier than self reflection, even though it is rarely accurate.

How do I stop feeling behind?
Remind yourself that timelines are not universal. People start careers, relationships, passions, and transformations at every age.

Does comparison ever go away?
It never disappears completely, but it becomes quiet when you stay focused on your own growth.

What should I do when I catch myself comparing?
Redirect your attention to your next step. Action pulls you out of the spiral.

Is social media making this worse?
Yes. You are comparing your entire life to someone else’s highlight reel.

Episode Referenced

This post was informed entirely by Episode 101 of the Guyset Podcast.