Hey there. We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel.” And honestly, that’s good advice… if you know what you’re looking at is a highlight. But the truth is, most of the time we don’t actually know. Someone might be posting their best moments, or they might be documenting something real. You only get a snapshot. And your reaction to that snapshot is what I want to talk about.
I used to think about this in terms of fairness. Like it’s not fair to compare my everyday to someone else’s best day. But then I realized… even that comparison is based on an assumption. The scroll shows you something, and your brain fills in the rest. You react. You judge. You feel some kind of way. But that’s not about them. That’s about you. And that’s not a bad thing.
When you feel triggered by what you see online, it’s a clue. It’s showing you what matters to you. It’s pointing out where you feel lack, frustration, or insecurity. It’s not about being wrong. It’s about observing. Once you recognize how you feel, you can ask yourself why. That question alone can help you start to untangle the stuff inside you.
This is why I talk about awareness so much. Because when you become aware of your reactions, you stop letting them control you. You start asking questions instead of making judgments. And that’s where growth happens. Quietly, gradually, from the inside/out.
I also use the 85 percent rule when it comes to mindset and habits. If I can keep a clear, focused mindset most of the time—let’s say 85 percent—I’m in a good place. I don’t need perfection. You don’t either. Give yourself a little margin for being human. It’s more sustainable and more honest.
So the next time you catch yourself comparing your life to someone else’s post, pause. Ask yourself how you feel. Ask why you feel that way. Then decide if you want to do something about it. That moment of awareness might be the most important progress you make all day.
If this message resonates with you, I share thoughts like this every day in my daily email. It’s a space for perspective, mindset, and self-connection. Sign up and let’s build this awareness together.