Run Your Own Race

Stop Comparing – Start Thriving!

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​Hey Reader!

We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media or standing at the starting line, and suddenly, you’re sizing yourself up against someone else. They’re faster. They look more prepared. Their training seems flawless.

And just like that, all the pride in your own progress disappears. That’s the comparison trap.

Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of joy. It pulls you out of your lane and into someone else’s, leaving you distracted, discouraged, and disconnected from your purpose.

But let’s flip the script. What if you stopped looking sideways and focused forward? What if you ran your own race and measured success only by your own progress?

Why Comparison is Holding You Back

When you compare yourself to others, you:

• Lose sight of your own goals: You start chasing someone else’s dreams instead of your own.
• Undervalue your accomplishments: You forget how far you’ve come because you’re too focused on where someone else is.
• Feel unnecessary stress: You’re putting pressure on yourself to meet someone else’s standards, which might not even align with your values.

Here’s something I tell my clients all the time: Everyone’s journey is different. The runner who looks like they have it all together? They might have years of experience or be facing their own hidden struggles. You’re only seeing their highlight reel, not the full story.

How to Break Free from the Comparison Trap

Here’s how you can shift your mindset and start thriving:

1. Focus on Your Reason for Running
​Why did you start running? What do you love about it? Your purpose is unique to you, and it has nothing to do with what anyone else is doing.

2. Celebrate Your Wins
​Instead of looking at someone else’s pace or distance, reflect on how far you’ve come. Did you finish a tough run? Hit a new milestone? Or simply show up on a day you didn’t feel like it? That’s progress worth celebrating.

3. Practice Gratitude
​Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. Be thankful for your health, your ability to run, and the opportunities you have to improve. Gratitude turns comparison into contentment.

4. Set Social Media Boundaries
​If scrolling makes you feel inadequate, it’s time to reevaluate. Follow people who inspire and uplift you, not those who make you question your worth.

5. Compete with Yourself, Not Others
​The only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday. Track your progress and celebrate the improvements you see over time.

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A Quick Story to Inspire You

One of my runners recently fell into the comparison trap. She kept looking at other runners and feeling like her progress wasn’t enough. We worked together to reframe her mindset. Instead of comparing her pace to others, she started comparing her current runs to where she was less than a year ago.
The result? Not only did she feel more confident, but she also started enjoying running again. And when race day came, she ran with gratitude instead of pressure—and crushed her goal.

Action Items!

Let’s put this into action. Here’s how to start running your own race:

1. Write down three accomplishments you’re proud of in your running or life journey.
2. Set one small goal this week to focus on your own growth.
3. Reflect on your “why”—why do you run, and what does it mean to you?
4. Unfollow one social media account that triggers comparison and replace it with one that inspires you.

Comparison doesn’t have to control you. This week, let’s focus on gratitude, progress, and running your own race.

On the Journey,
David

Check out the latest podcast on this subject. Click here or watch on YouTube!

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