How letting go of comparison helped me stay motivated, focused, and grounded in my own weight loss journey.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt

That quote has never felt more true than when I was deep in my weight loss journey. One of the most discouraging habits I fell into was constantly comparing my progress to other people’s. Whether it was scrolling through social media or listening to someone talk about dropping pounds fast, I’d start questioning everything I was doing.

Why is it taking me so long?

Am I doing something wrong?

Should I be seeing results faster?

If you’ve ever had those thoughts, you’re not alone. It’s easy to feel like your progress doesn’t count if it doesn’t look dramatic or fast. But here’s what I’ve learned—and what I remind myself often:

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Weight Loss Isn’t a Competition

We all lose weight at different speeds based on our body type, metabolism, lifestyle, hormones, stress levels, and so much more. What works for one person may not work for another. And more importantly, you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes.

Some people lose weight quickly because of extreme calorie restriction or unsustainable habits. Others might be facing health issues they aren’t talking about. You’re only seeing a highlight reel—not the full picture.

Progress looks different for everyone. Some people might drop weight quickly, while others notice changes in their strength, energy, or mindset first. None of these are wrong. Real, lasting change often happens slowly—and it’s not always visible right away. What matters most is that you’re showing up, making intentional choices, and building habits you can maintain long-term. Comparison only distracts you from those wins, and they deserve to be recognized.

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The Power of Focusing on Your Own Journey

When I made the conscious decision to stop comparing myself to others, everything changed. I started to:

• Celebrate small victories, like having more energy or making a healthy meal choice

• Recognize progress beyond the scale, like improved sleep or mood

• Feel more confident in my own pace, instead of feeling behind

My progress may be slower than someone else’s—but it’s real, and it’s sustainable.

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Every Step Forward Matters

Weight loss is hard. It takes patience, commitment, and a whole lot of self-compassion. And just because your journey doesn’t look like someone else’s doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.

If you’re feeling discouraged right now, here’s my advice:

• Look at how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go

• Honor your effort, even on the days it feels small

• Stay grounded in your “why”—your reason for starting this journey in the first place

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re doing something meaningful at your own pace—and that’s powerful.

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Final Thoughts

Letting go of comparison was one of the most freeing things I did for my physical and mental health. It helped me stay consistent, celebrate progress, and actually enjoy the process. You can read more about me and my story in my About Me and My Health Blog section.

So if you’re stuck in the comparison trap, give yourself permission to step out of it. Your journey is yours—and that’s exactly what makes it worth celebrating.weight unhealthily or unintentionally. Others might be dealing with things they’re not sharing.

That’s why I’ve made the conscious decision to focus on my path. It hasn’t always been easy or fast, but it’s been real, and it’s been mine. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins, even if they don’t look impressive to someone else. Because weight loss is hard—and every step forward counts.

So if you’re feeling discouraged by someone else’s progress, I challenge you to pause and look at how far you’ve come. Honor your own effort. Stay grounded in your why, and keep going for you. You’re not falling behind—you’re doing something meaningful at your own pace. And that’s powerful.

If you are looking for more tips to a healthy and successful weight loss I recommend reading the article Weight loss: 6 strategies for success article by the Mayo Clinic that talks about proven ways to lose weight and increase chances of success.