“You can’t measure your success against someone else when you don’t have the same starting point.”

In a world that constantly urges us to compare ourselves to others, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind. Social media feeds are filled with highlight reels showcasing achievements, milestones, and successes that seem unattainable. 

But here’s the truth: You can’t measure your success against someone else when you don’t have the same starting point. Many people operate under the assumption that success is a straightforward race—one that starts at the same line for everyone. But life isn’t a standardized competition. 

Our personal circumstances, opportunities, challenges, and privileges all shape our journeys in ways that make direct comparisons unfair and misleading. These factors influence the paths we take and the pace at which we progress. Comparing your journey to someone with a head start—or even a different route altogether—can lead to unnecessary self-doubt and frustration.

Here’s some some food for thought:

Instead of fixating on where others are, ask yourself:

• What skills have I developed over the past year?

• How have I grown emotionally, professionally, or personally?

• What challenges have I overcome that I once thought were impossible?

When you shift your focus inward, you begin to see that success is relative. The small victories that go unnoticed when comparing yourself to others suddenly become meaningful markers of your growth. The beauty of life is that no two journeys are the same. The only fair comparison you can make is with your past self. Embrace where you are, honour the progress you’ve made, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.

- Intisar Farah