How Comparison Evolved — and Why It’s Everywhere
We’ve all been there, right?
Long ago, we could only compare ourselves to our neighbors. Then the car was invented, and we traveled farther, then the plane, comparing ourselves to strangers in nearby communities. Soon after came radio, television, and finally the internet and social media — each opening floodgates to endless comparisons, often to unrealistic standards with just the click of a button.
Validation Starts from Within
Validation should come from within.
We’ve all heard it: We walk our own path. Other people’s journeys are not our journeys. It’s true — yet society, social media, and big business continually push a “one-size-fits-all” path to success, happiness, beauty, and love. These often unattainable goals leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and useless.
But I’m here to tell you:
STOP IT! STOP IT ALL RIGHT NOW!
Constant comparison creates unstable self-worth. Instead of looking inward, many of us search outward for who we think we should be. Stay on your own path. Strive for your own goals. Measure progress by your circumstances — not someone else’s.
Let’s be real:
- Movies — not real life.
- Social media — highlight reels, not full stories.
- News media — attention-hungry instigators
- Advertisements — make-believe worth designed to grab your money.
PEOPLE, WHAT ARE WE DOING?
My Story: Chasing What I Thought I Was Supposed to Want
There was a point in my life when I realized: I had no idea who I was — and I hadn’t ever made the time to figure it out.
We’re often blinded by the “grass is greener” effect, chasing dreams we think we should want… until we arrive and realize it’s not even what we truly desired.
I graduated early from high school and jumped straight into college, eager to “become something amazing.” But money and time were constant struggles. Embarrassed, I left my private school and returned to community college when finances got tight. I eagerly grabbed every loan and opportunity I could find, desperate to get back to that place where I believed my worth would be unquestionable.
I thought if I could continue to attend a highly rated college, then I’d finally be seen as successful — by association, if not by truth.
The last semester I had attended, I was six months pregnant, commuting two hours by train, and walking another thirty minutes to campus. I crammed all my classes into two days a week, working full-time the rest of the time just to stay afloat. Once I had clawed my way back for this last time – I wasn’t so young anymore and the comparison came creeping back in. I was a 33 year old pregnant student among classrooms of young adults, with big dreams, new concepts and fresh ideas. I forced myself to stick it out until the end of that semester, and with four classes left and a thesis, I never went back again.
Here’s why — I wasn’t doing it for me.
I was doing it because I felt I had to.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I love learning. And I’m not saying college isn’t important — it absolutely can be. But it’s not the only path to success or happiness.
It shouldn’t be something you pursue solely to validate your worth.
The Power of Pivoting
If something no longer serves you, it’s okay to pivot.
We cling to the idea that once we commit, we have to stick it out — but that’s just not true.
We are allowed to change our minds.
We are allowed to change our goals.
We are allowed to live our truths — without worrying about what anyone else is doing.
Real Success Isn’t Linear
We live in a society obsessed with grades, averages, and linear success stories.
But real life? It’s messy.
The path dips and turns and sometimes dead-ends. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to get where you want to be — and sometimes, it’s okay not to even know where you’re going.
Final Thought: Live Your Own Life
Once I realized I was living a life that wasn’t my own, I experienced a release — a freedom that only comes from taking control of your life and claiming it as your own, mess and all.
Today, I have a beautiful, supportive family. I run a thriving business with my husband. I’ve created Miss Fortune Blog to encourage others to take the path of positivity. I’ve joined a women’s social club, Polka Dot Powerhouse, where I receive endless support, opportunities, and new friendships along the way.
And yes, it was hard to get to where I am today.
Anything worth having will always require hard work.
But why not put that energy toward what YOU truly want, instead of what you think you need to be for others?
I know I did — and I have no regrets.
Enjoy the journey. Celebrate your progress. Learn from the setbacks.
And most of all:
Live your own life — not someone else’s.
Miss Fortune Blog 
Leave a comment