Stop Comparing, Start Thriving: How to Embrace What Works for You Right Now

We live in a world that constantly shows us what everyone else is doing. Social media, conversations with friends, and even well-meaning advice can make us feel like we should be doing things a certain way—following a specific routine, adopting the latest trends, or keeping up with someone else’s pace. But what if the real key to thriving isn’t about doing what works for them—but what works for you?

Honouring Your Season

Every season of life brings its own unique challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities. Maybe you’re raising young children, caring for aging parents, building a career, recovering from illness, or simply navigating the unknowns of life. What worked for you last year, last month, or even last week might not work for you now. And that’s okay.

The danger comes when we force ourselves into a mold that isn’t designed for this season of our lives. We see someone excelling at something, and instead of celebrating them, we internalize it as a failure on our part. Why can’t I do that too? But the better question is: What is best for me right now?

Finding What Works for You

For years, I had this idea that being committed to my fitness meant going to the gym. But as much as I wanted that to be part of my life, the reality was that it didn’t fit into my schedule. Between getting to the gym, planning workouts, and making it all work within the constraints of my day, I found myself struggling with consistency.

Instead of forcing myself into a structure that wasn’t serving me, I pivoted. I found an online class that fit seamlessly into my morning routine. No commute. No overthinking. Just logging in and getting it done. And the best part? It has worked for almost a year now. Not because it’s the best fitness class out there, but because it’s the best for me in this season.

This small shift in mindset—focusing on what works for me instead of what I thought I should be doing—made all the difference.

Giving Yourself Permission to Do Things Differently

Maybe for you, it’s realizing that meal prepping every Sunday isn’t realistic, but ordering a healthy meal service a couple of times a week helps lighten the load. Or perhaps waking up at 5 AM for “quiet time” doesn’t work, but pausing for five intentional minutes during the day does.

You don’t need to justify your choices to anyone. You don’t need to explain why you’re doing things differently. You just need to trust that you are the best person to determine what works for you.

Reflecting on Your Season

If you’ve been feeling the weight of comparison or the pressure to conform to what others are doing, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

• What season of life am I in right now?

• What do I need most in this season—mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually?

• What routines, habits, or expectations am I holding onto that no longer serve me?

• What is one small shift I can make to better align my life with what actually works for me?

• Am I allowing myself the grace to adjust and change when needed?

Your season will change. What works now may not work forever, and that’s a good thing. But instead of striving for what fits someone else’s life, let’s start honouring what fits ours.

Because when we stop comparing, we start thriving.