Avoid this big business mistake
Have you ever found yourself committing this business mistake? Checking out someone’s business and feeling like you don’t measure up because it seems like they have found great success in such a short period of time and it is taking you longer.
Why is this a big business mistake?
Because in reality rarely does someone just come on the scene and turn into an overnight success. What you are most likely seeing is the success they have created after many years of work. When you think you need to accomplish what they have quickly you set unreal expectations on yourself and you are setting yourself up to quit or fail.
Most likely they have put a lot of time in personal development, they have built a large network and they have tried and failed at more than one thing.
I heard a great sermon in church recently and there was one line in that sermon just jumped out at me. It was a guest that day so I am not sure of his name but he said, “Many people are insecure because they compare their behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.”
I love that because it is easy to compare all our blood, sweat and tears and behind the scenes actions to the highlights of what appears to be effortless success in another person’s business. We don’t see their behind the scenes and all things they went through to make a successful thriving business.
So when you see other people doing well applaud them because there is probably more than you know to the story. If you are not doing as well as you want don’t lose heart. Success comes from hard work, consistent action and yes even failure.
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Angela Paige
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I like to look at competitors but not to compare myself, I like to try and find new ways to do better than the next people.
Hillary´s last [type] ..The Downfall of Generation Y
Twitter: eastcoastbost
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Hi Angela. This is a great article and very encouraging. It is so hard to stay on track sometimes when you want that instant success. Thanks for explaining that it comes from time and hard work. Good job..
Barbara Charles´s last [type] ..Internet Marketing…A Necessary Evil for the Middle Aged Entrepreneur
Twitter: BarbaraCharles
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Hi Angela, you said that very well! We shouldn’t really compare ourselves to anyone else in anything we do – because we’re all so different. It’s great to compare ourselves over time though – to ourselves I mean. That way, we can see how much we’ve gone forward (or maybe backward sometimes).
I joined a swimming club years ago, because I wanted to swim with other people. However, it turned out to be a competition club, where we did a short 25 or 50 metre lap against other people. Then, we got out the pool and waited for our next race to come up (freezing in the winter). I didn’t like it because I wanted to swim, rather than be compared to other people all the time. I’m not a fast swimmer, but I love to swim long distance.
bye for now, Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl´s last [type] ..MLM Blogging and Squeeze Pages
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Hi Angela,
Well put – comparing the backstory to the trailer.
I think it’s a good idea to look at others for inspiration from the perspective of “if they can do it, so can I”. We only see what’s published, and have no idea of what went into it in the background, or how many set backs they might have had.
I completely agree with you that one of the components of success is, in fact, failure – or as I like to call it – feedback.
Good post, addressing something we seldom voice outloud.
Dee
Dee Ankary´s last [type] ..Why You Should Change Your Theme
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Yes their is no sure short way to success but just hard work . Comparing with others only leads to frustation, but on the contrary self evaluation helps a lot on the road to success.
Rayna Miller´s last [type] ..This
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I think that making comparisons to other people can be a mistake. When you make comparisons to people who are worse off than you, it will make you feel better; when you make comparisons to people who are better off than you, it will make you feel worse. Regardless, it isn’t an objective way of assessing your own progress. Your progress should be based on your goals and your progress towards them. I try to reflect on what I do have or have accomplished without comparison to others. Doing so makes me feel great because overall I am very lucky.
Kristen´s last [type] ..How to Overcome the Fear of Flying in A Small Plane
Twitter: stressandhealth
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Making comparisons to other people can make anyone feel bad. Typically, nobody has everything single thing they would like to have. Instead, it is better to think about what you do have and whether you have taken steps to accomplish your goals. Your own progress should not be measured by a comparison to other people but in relation to your goals.
Kristen´s last [type] ..How to Overcome the Fear of Flying in A Small Plane
Twitter: stressandhealth
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Angela,
I am guilty of what you point out and they don’t have to even seem that successful. Comparing oneself to another is like comparing apples to planets, they are not even from the same world. And, some may compare themselves to us and feel the same way.
We are all in exactly the right place for ourselves. Keep plugging, keep your eye on the ball and allow no comparison to undo the great work you have done.
Thanks for the reminder!
RICK
Rick Lelchuk´s last [type] ..A Clear Week!
Twitter: whealthsource
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I agree that we should not compare our business with others, but at the same time we should be aware of our competitors. Knowing what we are up against can help us with the way we handle our business and at the same time be a motivator for us.
Twitter: coachestraining
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This is such important advice Angela! The sad truth is that often businesses are set up around telling people that if they aren’t following along with the herd they are doomed to failure – this is especially true when it comes to building a business online. Thanks for the wise advice …
marquita herald´s last [type] ..Making a Difference: Kids Solving Real World Problems
Twitter: martyinmaui
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Hi Angela,
this is something i often did when I started with a new skill in my business as a coach or in my efforts to market my business.
We can take the good of comparing ourselves to others if there is something we can model for our business, our personality and our values.
We also need to know what to compare with what, when overwhelmed and confused we tend to compare things that re not comparable;)
Patricia Gozlan´s last [type] ..The Number 1 Secret to Have the Law of Attraction Work for You and Feel Great on the Spot
Twitter: patriciagozlan
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I have been in that comparing mode in the past.Not a good thing to do. Some people do seem to have that Magic Ability to succeed in every company but the thing is we all have it IF we work hard and talk to many people. Finding those few leaders that are willing to work with the team is the winning combination. So if we attract the right people, it will work for anyone. Use the super success stories as your inspiration.
Beverly Monical´s last [type] ..The To-Do List, Does It Make You Stressed?
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Hey Angela,
Great post. One of the keys to network marketing success and anything in life is not giving up. Everything you do in this industry is a learning opportunity. The only thing standing between the life a person has now and the life they want is themselves. Once I got out of my own way, I started doing great!
Keep up the good work!
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I love that quote! and yes, all to often we compare to a highlight reel or something that we don’t look deeper into. We compare just to the surface and that isn’t something that we should be doing.
Sarah Arrow´s last [type] ..Should I choose Facebook or a blog for my online business?
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Angela, that is an awesome quote and this is a terrific post. Comparing ourselves with others can lead to discouragement. We are all different. What works for them may not work for us. We have to find our niche and stick with it. Plus we need to be content and happy with what we are doing and keep our foot on the pedal moving forward. The important thing is to stick to it like a stamp until we get there!
Moving forward,
Lynn
Lynn Jones´s last [type] ..What is Your Daring Adventure?
Twitter: lynnjonesie
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Angela, this is so great to bring to the attention to not just people who are starting out in creating a business. Yet everyone who have made attempts and stop then start up again. It is not failure until you give up. So, never give up and never give in.
Now, this thing about comparing how and what others are doing. That is the huge mistake taken by those who do not have a supportive group of experienced people with them. Everyone offline and online has and continue to have others who support them in every area of their lives. This is from the first step in business which is building a foundation, and I mean a solid one.
Then from creating a real Operational Budget. That is the second step when being real and tired of playing business owner. You can review methods of what works from others and not judge them or their end results. To you they may be finished and look great yet everyone who is really successful and have created a lifestyle that so few of us are blessed with. They come to realize the only business that works is on focused on serving others. So you continue to adjust our business activities and there is never an end to changes.
Just being able to know that you are leaving a legacy is the ultimate gratitude. That is the true business and nothing else matters on how it looks and feels. You are serving others with being transparent and should never be wanting what someone else has created. You can change your view of your business based on no limited thoughts. What ever you can perceive will manifest in time.
We are all unique and can find our true inner passion which is never the same as anyone prior or currently living. That is the beauty of it all and should be understood. You are too busy creating daily adventures and sharing all the glorious experiences with the world. Then you have no time left to worry and be one who must compare anything your doing with others. Just except you have no limitations and nothing can or will stand in your way of serving others with your business. Challenges will arise yet you will not be alone with that supportive force of caring people. However you can visualize your business without limitation with your imagination. The less others business will even appeal to you.
Angela, this one of the first times I have left a comment. I love reading everyone’s articles yet sometimes I feel compelled to get involved at this time. You have moved me. Thank your for really caring to better our thinking and business.
William Amis´s last [type] ..Facing Life without Fear
Twitter: brotherbillamis
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I love this quote: “Many people are insecure because they compare their behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.” I think many people do that, which is a big mistake as you point out. When someone hits obvious success and then supposedly “shares all their secrets”, we still never see the whole picture of what they put in behind the scenes to make it all happen. We only see the basic outline of their plan, not the actual battles.
Twitter: eldonbeard
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Great post, Angela! You are so right about the importance of not comparing yourself to others. I think that the other important thing that we need to realize is that there are sometimes when our industry promotes such comparisons. Sadly, I think that too many network marketing companies do the same thing with the focus on the big earners and telling people to be patient on the one hand, but having all kinds of bonuses that are only available to the fast earners on the other. Imagine how much better things would be in our industry if this learn it quick pressure faded into the dustbin of history.
Steve Nicholas´s last [type] ..Keep Going
Twitter: stevetheowl12
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Angela,
What an important reminder. I love the statement “Many people are insecure because they compare their behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.” I will remember this the next time I feel that twang of jealousy when someone else seems to have accomplished with ease what I am struggling toward and not quite achieving. It is a slow and steady path to success – no easy shortcuts for anyone.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..Love For Sale – Ready Or Not!
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I once heard it takes 15 years to be an over night success.
Now for some it doesn’t take that long, but we are all on our
own path…some paths are shorter and some are longer.
As long as we stay on our own path, stay true to our promise,
and not compare our success, or lack of success to others,
we will succeed in OUR own time!
Alice
Alice´s last [type] ..I’m So Excited…So Why Am I Not Making Money Yet!
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This is a great article, Angela with an excellent message. There truly are no comparisons between people or businesses because each is unique. Every person, every business, every situation. And just as you are saying, there is no reason for anyone to compare themselves and especially to find themselves lacking.
A really important point to remember, thank you for sharing it with us.
Michael Shook´s last [type] ..Zombie Days
Twitter: alifeoflight
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I completely agree with your post here Angela. What I always warn people that are new and just starting up is that there are people out there trying to make money off of their story. The problem is that their stories is always filled with information that they want you to hear. Not the hall the hard times that it took to get to where they are at. Its the few and far between successful person in network marketing that will truthfully tell you how long they really worked to get where they are today.
Clint Butler´s last [type] ..Avon Review How To Create A Profitable Avon Business
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Angela,
thanks so much for your post.. very interesting since most of us get tanglked in that net sometimes or another… your quote “Many people are insecure because they compare their behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.” say it all, in case we cannot describe in any otehr ways.
Comparing with anyone or anything else is always a mistake no matter what or how we look at it.
By focusing on what we can do and have and say, will bring always ahead of teh pack…
Thanks again.and good luck with your move to a new home.
nickc
nick catricala´s last [type] ..Stuck or Unstuck
Twitter: nickcatricala
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