How to combat comparisonitis as a small business owner or parentpreneur

Are you guilty of comparing yourself to other business owners? Paige McInnes, owner of toy brand Little Change Creators, tells us why comparisonitis can be a business-killer and how to stop it for good.

Picture this: you’re going about your day, casually scrolling through social media or taking a stroll down the street. Suddenly, out of nowhere, it sneaks up on you like a mischievous prankster.

What am I talking about? Well, it’s that sneaky little feeling often known as comparisonitis. You know, when you catch a glimpse of someone doing or having something that you perceive as ‘better’ than what you’ve got going on in your own life?

Comparisonitis is a common problem that affects many small business owners, particularly those of us who are parentpreneurs. But, I’m here to tell you why it’s not doing us any favours and why we should focus on our own path instead.

Let me explain …

Understanding different circumstances

We all know that being a parent and running a small business comes with its own set of challenges. But what’s important to remember is that every one of us operates in different circumstances.

Some lucky ones have an army of helpers – partners, family members, or even hired professionals – who lighten the load of child-rearing and household tasks. It gives them the luxury of dedicating more time and energy to their business. On the flip side, some of us are juggling it all without much external support at all.

And let’s not forget about the financial aspect – resources and funding can vary greatly too, affecting the speed at which our businesses grows. It’s these unique circumstances that make comparison a futile exercise.

The dangers of comparisonitis

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was right when he said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”.  Comparing your business progress to others can be a one-way ticket to feeling inadequate and full of self-doubt.

When we constantly measure our achievements against others, we tend to overlook our own wins and strengths. It’s like we’re wearing blinkers that stop us from seeing the unique aspects of our brand. And guess what? It sucks the motivation and enthusiasm right out of us because it leads to unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure.

A total joy-killer!

Embracing your unique journey

Instead of falling victim to comparisonitis, let’s look at a better way – a path where we embrace our unique journey. It starts with recognising and appreciating the circumstances that make our businesses different.

Success is not about ticking off external benchmarks; it’s about the progress we make within our circumstances. So what if your milestone seems small compared to someone else’s? Celebrate it! Give yourself a pat on the back and keep pushing forward.

Gratitude is key, too – be thankful for the opportunities and resources you have, while also being mindful of the challenges you face.

Remember, it’s not about being better than others; it’s about being the best version of yourself.

5 tips for overcoming comparisonitis

Comparisonitis is a real issue for small business owners and parentpreneurs. It can be hard to stay motivated when you see the success of others, but there are things you can do to overcome it.

Here are five tips to help you stay confident and focused on your own path:

1. Recognise the comparison trap and make a conscious effort to limit your time on social media.
2. Focus on your own path rather than comparing yourself to others.
3. Practice techniques to boost your self-confidence, such as positive affirmations or meditation.
4. Take action and set goals that’ll bring you closer to your vision.
5. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem!

A parentpreneur’s advice for defeating comparisonitis

In my journey as a parentpreneur, I’ve overcome many obstacles including a lack of hands-on help and little-to-no money.  This meant that whilst I was changing nappies and dancing to Wiggles tunes, competitors with similar products emerged. And when I was homeschooling my kids or embarking on family travels, those competitors were working around the clock to get ahead.

And you know what? That’s okay. It all comes down to what you value in life and, to me, this precious time with my children is what I prize above all else.

So, have a think about what’s truly important to you too. Do you want quality time with your family? Would you like the freedom to travel on a whim? How about some hours each week to enjoy a new hobby? Once you’ve thought long and hard about what you value most, I reckon you’ll realise it’s not about keeping up with the competition!

Resources to rid yourself of the comparison trap for good

Now that you have an understanding of comparisonitis and how it can be a major hindrance to personal growth and success, let me share three resources to help you tackle it for good.

Firstly, best-selling author, Melissa Ambrosini, has a book dedicated to this topic. Comparisonitis: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Be Genuinely Happy will empower you with tips and tricks so that you’ll never let comparison rob you of happiness again.

Secondly, Hugh van Cuylenburg from The Resilience Project co-hosts the popular podcast, The Imperfects. In the episode, Curb Your Perfectionism, he’s joined by psychologist Dr Emily to discuss why perfectionism steals all the good from our lives.  It’s well worth a listen for loads of insights and tips!

Finally, freelance writer Lauren Shroll shares some great advice in her response to a small business owner who’s feeling overwhelmed by their competition. It’s a five-minute read but a tiny investment in your future joy.

So, my fellow business owners, let’s say goodbye to comparisonitis. Instead of looking sideways, let’s focus on our own unique path. Celebrate our wins, learn from our setbacks and keep pushing forward.

When we focus on what we treasure most in life and the distinctive value our businesses offer, we can find joy and fulfilment in the work we do. Keep going, keep growing and keep shining, small business owner!

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