We often measure our progress by looking at others—whether it’s degrees, job offers, or timelines. In healthcare, where expectations are high and paths are varied, these comparisons can quietly turn into stress, self-doubt, and a feeling of “am I not doing enough?”
But progress isn’t uniform. Everyone starts from a different place, with different interests and timelines. Comparing your journey to someone else’s highlight reel only adds unnecessary pressure.
I recently came across an article—“Social Comparison Is Driving Us to Despair” by Wojciech Kaftariski that spoke about how constant social comparison can quietly push people toward despair and it really stayed with me. The article explains how constant comparison with others—especially through curated success stories and social feeds—can distort how we see our own worth and progress.
If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged, remember this: Your journey doesn’t need to mirror anyone else’s to be valid. Your pace, your learning, and your decisions matter.
Are you comparing your growth with someone else’s highlight reel….and is it helping or hurting your mental health?
As a recent graduate, I still notice comparisons creeping in but I now treat them as signals, not judgments. They show me what I value or aspire to, not what I lack. Learning to pause, reflect and refocus on my own pace has helped me protect my mental space while still staying motivated.
Yes, comparisons are often a part of life. Whether it’s degrees, jobs, or success, it depends on a person’s perspective—whether they take lessons from it or end up sinking their own ship. It can definitely create stress, self-doubt, and sometimes a lingering pain of feeling worthless.
A simpler way to avoid dwelling on this is to shift the focus inward. Rather than comparing ourselves with others, we should notice the progress we have made. Self-comparison helps us grow, upskill, and provides a sense of achievement.
It is very important to remember that your journey is not going to be same as someone else. Although societal pressure can sometime is unbearable, keeping your mind focused is essential to ensure good mental health.
yes even i have been through this condition where i feel whole world is growing but i m only on stuck and not able to find my path, but i think its better to focus on us other then looking into others growth- at the end all are on the same boat but the one who never give up is the winner
I can totally relate to this. I’ve frequently caught myself comparing my development to that of others, and to be honest, it usually has more negative effects than positive ones. Everybody’s experience in healthcare is unique, and comparing things all the time just makes things more stressful. I’m discovering that it’s far healthier to concentrate on my own development and pace rather than comparing myself to the highlights of others.
Comparison is the thief of joy! It is very important to understand that everybody has their own timeline, we just need to notice our own progress, the place from where we started and where we are, everybody has a different start and finish line. It should be normalised that life is not a competition and there is no race.
This is such a timely and important reflection. In fields like healthcare and life sciences where we constantly keep pushing for next milestone, it’s easy we forget that every journey is unique. Thank you for the reminder that our pace and decisions are valid, regardless of someone else’s,
It is natural to compare our careers with others, but constant comparisons can disturb our inner peace and mental health. When it turns negative, it leads to stress, depression, and a drop in self-esteem.
Comparisons can be useful when it helps us to reflect and grow, but it should never break our confidence. Instead, it should motivate us, strengthen our morale, and inspire us to work harder toward our own goals.
Most of me fellow medical graduates in this community would relate with me when I say that most of our peers have landed well secured jobs while we were struggling in medical school. Yes, surely this has made me sad to a point where I stopped using social media. Its very important to understand that each person grow in their own separate way. We just need to focus on our path and improving it daily as growth is important. Once we start comparing ourselves with our past versions we feel more motivated to work smartly rather than comparing with others.
Very valid points. Sometimes it’s parents, teachers and even we ourselves compare us with others knowingly or unknowingly.
But everyone has a different kind of pace and mentality and everyone is designed to be different. Hence, if you work on your rhythm and pace it will be a good response and result.
Very relatable and important topic! Comparing careers can really take a toll on mental health, especially in competitive fields. It’s a great reminder to focus on our own journey, strengths, and growth rather than constant comparison.
Comparisons have been a part of indian household eventhough how modernised the society is. How hard we try not to compare ourselves, but always end up doing it & getting disheartened. But all we can do is work hard, focus on self & hope for the best.
Now a days Career comparison is common in our society that affects mental health when you constantly measure your progress against others and start feeling stress, self-doubt, anxiety, or low confidence. But 1st, we should focus on our own peace, goal and priority of the work.
but I now treat them as signals, not judgments. They show me what I value or aspire to, not what I lack. Learning to pause, reflect and refocus on my own pace has helped me protect my mental space while still staying motivated.