Ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram or the office sales board, and that nagging voice chimes in? “Look at them—top agent of the month, closing deals left and right. Shouldn’t I be there too?” Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. In real estate, the comparison game is practically a rite of passage, but if we’re not careful, it can steal our energy, confidence, and even our drive. So, how do we manage comparison while still pushing ourselves to grow?
1. Remember That Success Isn’t Linear
Picture your favorite climbing route. It’s not a straight shot to the top, right? It’s the same with career success. Just because another agent is having a stellar month doesn’t mean they haven’t had their share of dry spells, doubts, or hard-earned lessons. It’s easy to see someone’s peak and think they’re living there 24/7, but success is a series of peaks and valleys.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s journey. Maybe you took on a challenging listing or learned a new marketing tactic recently—these small steps build up over time. Each one of us is moving at our own pace, and that’s okay. Your unique path is building your unique expertise and resilience.
2. Control Your Feed, Control Your Mindset
Social media can be both a tool and a trap. It’s designed to show highlight reels, not the full story. Don’t let the glamour shots and “just closed” posts create a narrative of inadequacy. Instead, try these tips:
- Curate Your Feed: If following certain accounts triggers comparison, either unfollow them or consider using social media less.
- Set Boundaries: Limit your social media time. Rather than scrolling aimlessly, be intentional. Schedule short, focused sessions to catch up, get ideas, or post about your own work.
- Focus on Connection, Not Competition: Engage with posts from colleagues or even offer congratulations. Rather than seeing them as rivals, celebrate their wins. It’ll help you shift your mindset to one of camaraderie over competition.
3. Reframe Comparison as Inspiration
What if, instead of making comparisons, we saw these moments as opportunities for inspiration? Rather than asking, “Why am I not there yet?” flip the question to “What can I learn from them?” This simple shift moves us from a scarcity mindset to one of growth.
Say an agent is using video tours effectively and landing clients because of it. Instead of feeling discouraged, study what they’re doing. Could you incorporate more video tours or virtual showings into your approach? Successful agents are simply proof that certain strategies work—strategies you can adapt to your style and market.
4. Create and Focus on Your Own Wins
Take time to celebrate your wins, big and small. Closed a deal? Fantastic! Finally mastered a new software tool? Celebrate that too! If you’re keeping a journal, jot down something you’re proud of each week. These small affirmations remind you that your work is building momentum.
Better yet, create a visual board in your workspace of your achievements and goals. Just as you might have a vision board, create an “achievement board” with photos, notes, or clippings representing each milestone you reach. It’s a tangible reminder that your journey is worthwhile.
5. Find Your “Why” and Stick to It
When you feel like you’re not measuring up, pause and remember why you got into real estate in the first place. Was it to create more freedom in your life, connect with people, or help families find their dream homes? These core reasons often have little to do with anyone else’s achievements.
Instead of chasing someone else’s goals, get clear about your own. When you’re focused on your why, comparison tends to fade. Your journey becomes meaningful and personal, one that’s about impact rather than titles.
Focus on Growth, Not Perfection
Comparison is natural, but it doesn’t have to run the show. Every day is a chance to be a little better, learn a little more, and find joy in what you’re doing. The next time you catch yourself comparing, take a deep breath, remember your progress, and focus on the next small step forward. By keeping your eyes on your path, you’ll build a sustainable, fulfilling career—one that reflects the best of you, not a carbon copy of someone else.
Real estate is all about connecting with people, building trust, and helping others achieve their dreams. And guess what? You’re doing that, one step at a time. Keep going, and remember—your version of success is just as worthy as anyone else’s.
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