I’ve talked several times about comparing yourself to others, but there can also be times when you compare yourself to a previous version of yourself. This is exactly what happened to me the other day when I came across this picture.
It was taken in 2019 after my first national show. When I looked at this picture I felt so proud of myself for what I was able to accomplish with my physique that year AND at the same time I found myself comparing my current body to that look. Now, rationally I know that is crazy thinking! That picture was taken at a season in my life where I was super strict with my food, workouts, and lifestyle in general versus now where I am just coming off of a gaining phase and have been more relaxed with my food and workouts. Nonetheless, I still had the thought. But rather than beating myself up over the fact that I do not look like that anymore (which I would have done in the past), I stopped comparing and appreciated what each season offered me. My 2019 season is where I finally got up the courage to go to nationals and kept pushing through even when things weren’t easy. Then my current season where I am more present with my family and am focusing on longevity so I can be a healthy and active parent for my children.
Have you ever compared yourself to a former version of yourself? How does it make you feel when you do that? If you find it makes you feel sad, frustrated, or disappointed, let’s flip that script so you can see the benefits of your current season. Here are a few ways you can do that:
- Find what you are grateful for in each of the seasons of your life.
- Look at the lessons you learned in each season of your life and how it has helped you to grow as a person.
I know it can be difficult at times to not wish you were who you once were at times, however it is difficult for us to become the best version of ourselves if we do not change and grow (which I know you all want to do)!