How to Combat Comparison in Business as a Female Entrepreneur

As a female entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the Comparison Game (I’ve been there by the way!). You see other women business owners who are further along in their business journey than you are and it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough and that you’re not moving quick enough. 

But guess what? They’re probably looking at others and thinking the exact same thing! (I know, I’ve been in the company of 7-figure women business owners who STILL struggle with comparison). 

So how do you combat this urge to compare yourself to others as a female entrepreneur? With these three things:

1. Remembering we all have different journeys.

2. Setting your own standards.

3. Recognising that comparison is the thief of joy.

#1: We All Have Different Journeys 

The first thing to remember is that we all have different journeys. What works for someone else might not work for you and vice versa. Plus we all have different home and life set-ups. I remember when I started my business with a newborn baby, getting super frustrated that I wasn’t moving as quickly as my single-child-free counterparts. But my journey was just different.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success. So instead of comparing your journey to someone else’s, focus on figuring out what feels right for you, your personal circumstances and your business. 

#2: Set Your Own Standards

One of the best ways to combat comparison is to set your own standards. Rather than compare yourself to others, focus on what you want to achieve and what would make YOU feel successful. Be your own inspiration. In Positive Psychology, we use goal-mapping to break big goals into smaller ones and create “pathways” to achieve them (something I do with ALL my clients, no matter what stage of business they’re at). Whatever it is, make sure that your standards are aligned with you and your personal vision of success.

#3: Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Finally, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare yourself to others, you’re only focusing on the negative emotion and not the things that make YOU incredible. So instead of comparing, focus on being grateful (daily gratitudes is proven in Positive Psychology to increase happiness and wellbeing), and celebrating your own successes (no matter how seemingly big or small).

In summary… 

To combat comparison in business, is going to take some inner work and self awareness. Comparison as a female entrepreneur is always going to rear its ugly head at some stage, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a productive or helpful use of energy. And it doesn’t have to stick around for long! 

So next time you find yourself comparing your business journey to someone else’s, remember these three things and refocus on what matters most: your own unique journey, your own personal standards, and your own happiness.

Finally, remember that comparison is the thief of joy. When you compare yourself to others, you’re only focusing on the negative emotion and not the things that make YOU incredible. So instead of comparing, focus on being grateful (daily gratitudes is proven in Positive Psychology to increase happiness and wellbeing), and celebrating your own successes (no matter how seemingly big or small).