Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Comparison is the thief of joy

‍You walk into the gym feeling ready to crush your workout. You’re proud of how far you’ve come. But then you glance at the whiteboard. Someone lifted heavier. Someone finished faster. Suddenly, that pride disappears, and your progress doesn’t feel so impressive anymore.

Sound familiar?

It’s because comparison is the thief of joy.

Why We Compare
As humans, we’re wired to compare. Social media, sports, school—it’s everywhere. In the gym, it can be tempting to size ourselves up next to others:

“She’s lifting more than I am.”

“He’s faster than me on every WOD.”

“They’re already back after I just started my second round.”

But here’s the truth: someone else’s success doesn’t diminish yours.

Your Journey, Your Progress
What we often forget is that everyone is on a different path. The athlete who’s lifting heavier may have been training for years. The one who breezes through a workout might have a different background, a different body, or a different goal. You don’t know their story—and they don’t know yours.

We are all facing different struggles. Your journey is unique. Your wins matter. Whether it’s your first strict push-up or your fastest 400m run, you are improving. That deserves to be celebrated.

What Comparison Steals From Us
Comparison robs us of gratitude. Instead of being proud of what our bodies can do, we feel “behind.” It blinds us to our own growth and replaces joy with insecurity. Worst of all, it can sap our motivation and leave us questioning if we even belong.

But you do belong. Progress is progress, no matter the pace.

How to Shift the Mindset

• Celebrate Others Without Questioning Yourself – Their wins don’t make your progress any smaller. There’s room for everyone to succeed.
• Reflect on Where You Started – Look back at your first few workouts. Notice the growth. Appreciate it.
• Set Personal Benchmarks – Measure progress based on your own performance, not someone else’s.
• Practice Gratitude – A strong body, the ability to move, and the courage to show up are all reasons to be proud.

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Comparison is natural, but it doesn’t have to control your mindset. In a CrossFit gym, we thrive on competition and yes that can push us to be better, not because we beat each other—but because we build each other. When you focus on your own growth, your own milestones, and your own joy, you’ll find more than just fitness—you’ll find fulfillment.

So the next time you catch yourself comparing, pause. Remember why you started. And be proud of how far you’ve come.

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