Comparison is often said to be the 'thief of joy', but for neurospicy business owners, it can also steal your energy, motivation, and focus. Social media is full of polished success stories and "perfect" business owners who seem to have it all figured out. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you’re behind or not doing enough.

But here’s the truth: your business journey is as unique as you are. Let’s look at why comparing yourself to others is a trap—and how to break free from it.

Why Comparison Feels So Tempting

We compare because we’re searching for a benchmark or validation. This is especially true if you’re neurodivergent and have grown up feeling “different” from those around you. You might look to others for reassurance that you’re on the “right” track.

But here’s the catch:

• You’re only seeing the highlight reel. Most people don’t share their struggles or failures.
• You have different strengths, challenges, and circumstances than they do.

💡 Example: You might envy someone who seems endlessly productive without knowing they have a team of assistants managing the chaos behind the scenes.

The Downsides of Comparison

When you compare yourself to others, you risk:

Losing focus on your own goals: You spend so much time looking at what others are doing that you forget what’s important to you.

Feeling demotivated: Instead of being inspired, you might feel like giving up because you can’t “keep up.”

Ignoring your wins: Celebrating your progress becomes harder when you’re focused on someone else’s.

💡 My Tip: Remember, they’re running their race, and you’re running yours.

How to Break Free from Comparison

1. Define Your Own Version of Success

Success doesn’t have to mean hitting six figures in your first year or having thousands of followers. What do you want to achieve?

• Is it working fewer hours so you can spend time with your family?
• Is it finding clients who truly align with your values?

Write down your top three priorities and revisit them whenever you feel the pull to compare.

💡 Example: If your goal is to work 20 hours a week and you’ve achieved that, you’re already successful—regardless of what anyone else is doing.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to focus on what’s still on your to-do list, but acknowledging what you’ve accomplished is key.

• Did you send out a tricky email? Win.
• Manage to focus for an hour despite distractions? Win.
• Post consistently for a week? Massive win.

💡 My Tip: Keep a “win jar” or a running list of achievements. Looking back on it will remind you how far you’ve come.

3. Curate Your Social Media

If scrolling leaves you feeling “less than,” it’s time for a digital detox.

• Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad.
• Follow people who are transparent about their struggles and growth.

💡 Example: Seek out accounts that focus on progress over perfection or share relatable stories about their business ups and downs.

4. Focus on Your Unique Strengths

Neurospicy brains bring creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking to the table. Lean into what makes you different instead of wishing you were like everyone else.

• Are you great at brainstorming? Build services around your ideas.
• Love visuals? Create content that plays to that strength.
• Excel at connecting with people? Use that in your networking.

💡 My Tip: What feels easy to you might feel impossible to others. That’s your superpower!

5. Limit the Metrics You Track

While it’s important to measure progress, obsessing over numbers can backfire. Choose one or two metrics that actually matter to you.

• Instead of focusing on follower count, track engagement.
• Prioritise profit margins over revenue if financial sustainability is your goal.

💡 Example: A small but loyal audience that converts is far better than thousands of disengaged followers.

Turning Comparison Into Inspiration

It’s not always bad to notice what others are doing. The trick is to shift your mindset from envy to curiosity:

• What can you learn from them?
• How can you adapt their strategies to fit your style?
• What do they do differently that inspires you to try new things?

💡 My Tip: If someone’s success sparks jealousy, ask yourself: “Do I actually want what they have? Or does it just look good on the surface?”

Final Thoughts

Your business journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Embrace your quirks, focus on your unique goals, and remember that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.

So the next time you catch yourself scrolling through someone else’s shiny achievements, take a step back, breathe, and remind yourself: You’re exactly where you need to be.