10/16/2019
Today I was asked to be on a panel for our Spokane Ladies Business Networking group.
The topic:
“Overcoming Comparison”
First of all, before I share my experience-
I want to assure you that being on this panel did not mean I have ‘OVERCOME’ comparison.
I believe I was asked because I am not afraid to share my journey WITH comparison and how I use it to ‘fuel’ my work-
OR what tools have I learned to use when I am ‘stuck’ in the comparison trap.
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Q1) “How has comparison held you back? Or HELPED you in your business or personal life?”
Jamie: “In 2010 my husband encouraged me to start what I am doing TODAY. Not only did I not believe him, I looked at how EVERYONE else around me was doing it- and knew that I was different- so I didn’t start.
My business began in JANUARY of 2019- so comparison held me back for ‘almost’ 9 years. When I find myself in that ‘rabbit hole’ per se, and when I am AWARE that I am in it- I try and step back and think, “when I am in this space in a non constructive way, I am taking time AWAY from not only my business, but developing, creating and learning. I am not doing anything constructive FOR myself, family or business. In fact, I’m doing the complete opposite- being destructive.” Q2)
“What is something tangible- an action step that you take to help you when you *think* you’re going to that place?”
Jamie <--that’s me HA! “I have a handful of accountability partners, people that I trust- that KNOW that I go to this place and it can be destructive- so If you don’t mind, I would like to share a text message that I literally WROTE last week to one of my close friends---
***scrolling to find said text*****
“ Dear Mrs. Smith, I need an intervention. Sometimes at night, when Nick and Meatball are sleeping- I go down black holes in comparing myself to other fitness people. I’m telling you this bc I want to do this right now- But I’m texting you instead.”
END SCENE (that’s the dramatic part in me)
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I’m hoping that I helped someone today- assuring them that I am not immune to lives curve balls and anxieties.. that “ragamuffin” stems from my yearning to share the mess as well- 💙
