Comparison is the thief of joy

We’ve all been there. Looking around the gym, the workplace, or even social media, and feeling like we’re falling behind. It’s human nature to compare. But when comparison starts to deflate us, or worse, makes us criticise others, it’s time to pause and ask: what’s really going on here?

Often, the success we envy is simply the result of hard work we haven’t been willing to do yet. That’s not a judgement. It’s a wake-up call!

One of the greatest CrossFitters, Mat Fraser, has a famous quote:

"Don't be disappointed by the results you don't get from you work you don't do"

Like in any walk of life, things take time! Many of the skills within CrossFit take time to develop. Be patient. Focus on yourself, and try not to take away the hard work others have put in.

We decided at Onyx Tribe CrossFit that this week, our mission is to help our members and you, the reader, to stay focused on your own journey, your own process, and your own progress.

Here are five practical techniques to help you shift your mindset and reclaim your energy:

🔑 1. Track your own progress

Keep a personal log, whether it’s training numbers, mindset wins, or consistency streaks.

Progress isn’t always visible from the outside, and is often never immediate. But if you’re tracking it, over time, you’ll see how far you’ve come.

🔑 2. Practice gratitude for effort, not outcome

We often say fix the inputs, and the outputs will take care of themselves.

Focus on what you’re putting in, not just what others are achieving.

Celebrate the fact that you showed up today. This is most important. It's a massive win. That’s progress.

🔑 3. Reframe jealousy as inspiration

Let someone else’s success fuel your own goals.

"If they can do it, maybe I can too."

"What can I learn from their discipline?"

🔑 4. Limit social comparison triggers

Reduce exposure to things that spark unhealthy comparison.

Curate your inputs. If it doesn’t lift you up or teach you something, maybe it’s time to mute it.

🔑 5. Own your choices

Here’s the tough love: every result is tied to effort. You have to be intentional with your actions.

If you’re not seeing progress, ask yourself: am I truly doing the work? If not, that’s okay, but own it. Then decide what you’re willing to change.

Simply take one or two of the above techniques and implement them today, not tomorrow!

The longest journey starts with one small step 👏

💬 Final Thought

Comparison can either crush you or sharpen you. The choice is yours. Stay in your lane, do the work, and celebrate every step forward, because your journey is worth it.

For a more detailed insight in to this topic, listen to or watch Episode 42 of our QuickCast.

👉 Listen or watch now

📩 If you're struggling with comparison or are at a standstill in your health and fitness journey, never hesitate to reach out. Drop us an SMS on 07588286277 or give us a call on 01480700506.

Until the next blog post 😊