<p>When you’re in business for yourself, you need to look at who’s been there before you. What’s the competition doing and what is happening in the industry?</p>
<p>Trouble with that is most of us can get sidelined by negatively comparing ourselves to other people’s successes. It can look like this:</p>
<ul>
<li>“Man, she’s doing so well and it’s only been a couple years…why is it taking me so long to get that number of clients?” </li>
<li>“I can’t believe so-and-so already has a book out…he’s so much more professional than me.” </li>
<li>“Look at all those calls/sales/clients that he’s getting. Why didn’t I get that call?! All my business is going to him!”" </li>
</ul>
<p><strong>A lot of this negative thinking comes from a basic belief that there’s a finite amount of business out there</strong> (scarcity mentality), which can make any of us feel envious or even panicky. This belief drives the competition mindset, and from there, it’s only a small step to self-doubt and other sabotaging emotions.</p>
<p>So what can you do?</p>
<p>First, <strong>realign your beliefs and realize that you can choose to believe in abundant and unlimited resources</strong>. What’s helped me most is believing that no one out there can do it quite the way I can. Sure, there’s other therapists and healers out there, and there are certainly thousands of radio shows out there, but I bring my unique self to what I do, and that special combination is just what my potential clients were waiting for.</p>
<p>Next, <strong>stop devaluing your own accomplishments</strong>. Most of us diminish what we’ve done because, well, <em>that</em> was easy. I know, cause I’ve already done it. :) Recognize that some people out there are looking at what you’ve done and are just as impressed/jealous/intimidated as you are about other people’s accomplishments. Successful business always looks more professional and amazing from the outside. So try and bring your “outside observer” perspective to your own business and achievements so you can really appreciate what you’ve done so far.</p>
<p>If you’re in that jealous competition mindset, try these tactics:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Remember this is simply an emotional state</strong>. Emotions are temporary influences and you’re not always gonna feel like this. Sometimes you think you’re pretty cool, remember?! </li>
<li><strong>Remember that starting a business is a journey</strong>. The average business takes 3 to 5 years to become successful. </li>
<li><strong>Get in touch with your personal supporters and receive the positive reinforcements they provide</strong>. Not only is it ok to need people to boost your mood, it’s pretty much required! </li>
</ul>
<p>To prevent further hijacking by business success envy, try this:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Before you start looking around at what your competitors are doing, prepare yourself</strong> for coping with this emotional state. Set yourself up mentally to track your own emotions and thoughts so you notice when you <em>start</em> going down a negative path. It’s easier to stop then. </li>
<li><strong>Remind yourself to keep an open mind.</strong> The most successful people in business, and in life, are those who remember that they are always open to learning. If you look at your colleagues’ successes as an open learner, you can see things as a lesson and perhaps find similar success, rather than fall into self-deprecation. </li>
<li><strong>Find community support</strong> of other people who are starting businesses. They’ll help you by providing validation of how you feel and keeping a realistic perspective. </li>
<li>Lastly, <strong>give up the pressure and illusion of control</strong>. You can be doing everything right and still not have the success you want in the current moment. I believe that Spirit knows what it’s doing and I surrender to that higher power. It’s important for me to remember that I’m not doing this by myself…something greater is watching out for me. </li>
</ul>
2009-01-02T05:59:34Z
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659
2675
true
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why-we-suffer-in-comparison-and-how-to-quit-doing-it-in-your-business
25
2009-01-03T19:26:17Z
2009-01-03T19:26:17Z
On Biznik or elsewhere, you've probably checked out your competitors. And if you're like me, you have stories and feelings about how great everybody else looks like they're doing. What's this about and what can you do to stop it?!
Why We "Suffer" in Comparison and How To Quit Doing It In Your Business
0
2009-02-24T09:48:12Z