72. Stop Comparing Yourself Online: Social Media, Self-Worth & Living Authentically

Social media has changed the way we see ourselves — but not always for the better.

Social media makes it too easy to compare your life to someone else’s highlight reel — but you’re only seeing part of the story.

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Hazel unpacks the hidden impact of social media on mental health, self-worth, and personal growth. Through personal reflections, she offers powerful tools to break free from the comparison trap and reclaim your authenticity.

You’ll discover:
 • How social media silently shapes self-image and identity
 • Ways to build confidence offline and embrace your uniqueness
 • Why prioritizing authenticity leads to deeper fulfillment

If this resonates, binge these next:
• Episode 70 — “Silencing Self-Doubt: Overcoming Fear, Building Self-Worth & Unlocking Your Power”
• Episode 74 — “Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway: Overcoming Fear, Building Confidence & Unlocking Growth”
• Episode 79 — “Redefining Worth & Choosing Yourself”

You are not your likes, follows, or filters. Your real life is your greatest masterpiece.

🔔 Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who’s ready to stop comparing and start living.

Transcript

Breaking Free From Social Media Comparison

Speaker 1 0:00

Welcome to . It's the Human Experience Podcast Hosted by Hazel Brown , a healthcare leader , wife , mom and career coach . If you're big on authenticity , personal development , perseverance and transparency , you're in the right place . Get ready to be uplifted , inspired and empowered as you become fearless in pursuit of the life you desire and deserve . Our goal is to help you level up by creating a safe space to learn and reflect , while listening to transparent stories from our host or successful professionals and business owners who've agreed to share the parts of success that typically gets X'd out on social media , because that's the part you need to see and hear the process . Go ahead and subscribe . You don't want to miss out on these transparent stories and discussions that reveal highs , lows , aha moments and nuggets that'll help you to grow and glow .

Speaker 2 1:12

Hey , hey , hey . You are now tuned in to the it's the Human Experience podcast . I'm your host , hazel Brown . Today we're diving into a topic that I know that we need to talk about . We're talking about breaking free from comparison so that you could find fulfillment in your own unique journey . Yes , I said unique journey , because yours is different , and it's different for a reason , because we are all here for different reasons , so that we have similarities and things that really tie us together . We are still unique in the way that we live our lives , in the paths that we're on . So I just wanted to make sure I kind of express that from the jump so that you're more familiar . If you're not already following the podcast , scroll up to the top and hit that follow button . If you're listening from Apple iHeartRadio , spotify , all the things Audible let's go . I just want you to make sure that you don't miss any future episodes that you're able to tune in , catch the gems on a regular basis . When you're done tuning into the episodes , scroll down to the bottom if you're listening from Apple , and make sure that you give us five stars . Leave us a comment so we know your greatest takeaway . Listen , tag us at it's the Human Experience on Instagram or Workplace Therapy . Throw us in your stories so that other people that know the great value that you're getting from the podcast , so that they can grow and glow too . All right , let's jump in .

Speaker 2 2:38

So wanted to make sure we kind of started around some of the statistics when it comes to , like this , social media perfection and why we're not where we're supposed to be kind of feels right . So when we think about the impact social media has on our mental health , statistics shows that up to 70% of social media users have admitted to comparing their lives to others , not to mention how long it takes for our reels to look the way they do . Like that is technically not how it all happened . It's technically not as seamless Meaning when I'm creating a reel . Just really going back to this past Monday , I was creating a reel in the car while my daughter was getting her hair done and it literally took me two hours to curate that reel . Those experiences are real experiences . However , it doesn't happen as easy and clean as it looks . So someone was trying to create a reel as well and they're like 45 minutes in and they're like how come mine doesn't look like that Child ? Mine wouldn't either if I only had 45 minutes , so I share that .

Speaker 2 3:49

To say simple example related specifically to social media , and it really makes you understand . This is why we can't compare ourselves to other people at all . And though we all know this , the timeline , the reels , the feeds , the stories , all of the different carousels and features that social media has , are all curated online spaces . Right In the real world , you can't create your life to where it looks exactly how you want it to look in the real world , like you can be intentional , you can go after your goals , you can have discipline , you can be consistent , you could practice self-care , you could read every morning , you could meditate , you can eat healthy , you can do all the things . You can pray , read your Bible , you can circle yourself , surround yourself , I should say , with people that align with your values . You can make sure that you go on date nights , take trips , all the things , and life will still life in between all of those things that you're doing to better yourself as a person . And so everything that I named , including therapy , are all good things that you can do to make sure that you have a more fulfilling life , but understanding that social media doesn't allow the bumps in the road , the curves , the ups and downs .

Speaker 2 5:17

Social media in the way that it's used . It's a curated space that shares the highlights and wins that someone is experiencing because they're using social media to build their business , to build their brand , to build their community , to build their social circle , whatever the case is in terms of what they're using it for , and so , as a result , they're typically not sharing all of the lows that they're experiencing life . And if we know anything , we know that there's a duality in everything that we do . So if life is functioning extremely good , there are going to be some shortcomings that are going on somewhere in your life , whether you'd like to admit it or not , and so it's important for you to keep that into perspective , because many times , whoever you're comparing yourself with you typically wouldn't in their shoes , probably not even an hour . Let's be real . The reality is you don't know someone suffers from depression , anxiety , what kind of health ailments they have , what kind of heart they have , what does their heart's posture actually look like in real life , not just the facade or the image that they're putting on on social media , and many times , we don't want that baggage , but we want their success in terms of .

Speaker 2 6:37

Maybe you want more followers , you want more money , you want more people soliciting your business , you want a better career , you want a family , you want whatever it is that you're looking at , saying that you want , and in that moment it feels like , oh , I just wish . But know that that wish comes with some baggage , just like everything that you have going on . You have some good things going on in your life today , regardless if you feel like you do or you don't . There are things that you have prayed for that are showing up in today's current state situation . If you took some time to just practice some gratitude and recognizing that you've come far , look back at your seven-year-old self , your 17-year-old self , your 27-year-old self , your 37-year-old self , child you last week , you three hours ago .

Speaker 2 7:24

You have grown and evolved over time and you have to give yourself grace to recognize that and not be so concerned with what someone else has going on , because you truly don't know their whole story , you don't know the entire journey , you don't know what shortcuts they took , you don't know what they buried along the way . You just have no idea . What you do know is who you are at heart , and if you don't take some time to be still to determine what your values are , what you really want out your life in terms of what . Determine what your values are , what you really want on your life in terms of what will make you feel fulfilled , what you want your next five years to look like , your next 10 years to look like . Take some time and sit in that and take less time thinking about what someone else is doing . Their story has nothing to do with you .

Speaker 2 8:12

Using your gifts may impact other people , but it's not in a way to where you have to compare yourself to others . It's in a way that you have to do the work so that the people that are caught up in you doing the work , they get the breakthroughs that they will get , based on you sharing the message , using your gifts , being the person you know you're called to be . Sharing the message , using your gifts , being the person you know you're called to be . Sometimes we really have to shift the focus and look within to determine what our personal stories are like .

Speaker 2 8:43

What experience has caused us to be triggered by the things that we're seeing on social media to where we don't feel like we're as far as we should be . Sometimes there's trauma . We don't feel like we're as far as we should be . Sometimes there's trauma , there are personal breakthroughs that you're trying to make happen , but it can sometimes be a result of you being compared to other people , by your family members , whether it's your mom , a friend , a loved one , a sister , a cousin , a brother , an uncle , whatever , and whoever . Think about what that looks like , because sometimes those things that we go through in our lives causes us to naturally get into a place where we feel like , oh my God , we're not doing as good as such and such , but the only person that you should be comparing yourself to is yourself .

Speaker 2 9:32

It's so easy for other people to make that comment . I'm sure you've seen it on social media . You hear people saying it's me versus me , it's you versus you , but I really want to take some time to sit in that , because the reason it's you versus you or it's me versus me is because I know what I'm capable of . I know if I'm functioning at 50% , I know if my battery is at 80% , I know if I have more gas to go 100% , and I know where I'm at in that process in terms of the gauge . So if I'm at a three-fourth tank , we'll just use gas , as an example , and I'm only functioning to go as far as getting to quarter tank . And then when I'm talking to other people I'm saying , oh my God , I'm on that one quarter tank , but the reality is we know we're at three fourth , so we know we can go further .

Speaker 2 10:30

Only you can assess that . No one else can tell you how far you can run . No one else can tell you how fast you can go . No one else can tell you how fast you can go . No one else can tell you what you're capable of . You have that insight . You have that internal compass . God has equipped you with the ability to know whether you're being complacent or you're content with where you are or you have more work to do . And only you can gauge that .

Speaker 2 10:58

Social media , in terms of what other people are doing , should not be your gauge for what else you can do . That representation and what they are doing is a good indicator that , if you want it , if you have enough gas to go further , if you have the interest , you are capable of doing it , because that representation is there to show you that you can do it too . It's not a place to where you should be going to be able to say I'm not doing enough , because your scars are different from their scars . You have no idea how much support they've had , or how little support they've had , based on looking at someone's social media page or being friends with somebody and knowing some of someone's story . I've said this before on a previous episode .

Speaker 2 11:49

There are so many times that people who are our friends , our family members , our bestest of friends , right , our parents , our kids , our spouses , our co-workers they don't know the half of our thoughts , of the things we've experienced , of the way in which that we have goals for ourselves and we want to show up our fears and different trauma , shame and triggers that we may have around different topics , subjects or experiences . And so , that being said , if the people closest to you don't know , the hearts of who you are at its full capacity . So maybe some people know you at about 80% , some 70% , some three . Most people don't know you at 100% because you're still trying to figure out who you are at 100% and that changes every day . So I share all that to say that it should be something that you take more time to think about when you recognize that you're being triggered by someone or something , whether it's social media , in the workplace , in your relationships , in your friend circles . Listen online or in person and in real life .

Speaker 2 13:07

Whatever the circumstances , I want you to realize that it is you versus you when you think about that , you versus you . I just want you to pull closer to stillness , reflection , intentionally . Take some time out to go out in nature , go for a walk , take a bath I mean bubble bath . I'm hoping you shower all the time . Do whatever you need to do to get yourself in a space to where you can really think about your values and what looks right to you , what feels right to you for your future , for your future self . You need to be intentional with your time now so that you can work on the action necessary to be the person that you emphasis on you want to be , not what everyone else is doing .

Speaker 2 13:57

If this episode resonates to you , I want you to go back . Listen to episode 44 . That is definitely one of the biggest self-worth episodes that's within the podcast Episode 11 , episode 5 , episode 66 . Those are episodes that are really popular in terms of really getting into the hearts of who you are as a person . And there are many other episodes that I could mention , because the podcast primarily focuses on helping you see that you are capable of becoming your highest self through stories from other experts , from other men and women that are constantly working on personal development , betting on themselves , and they're talking openly about their experience so that they can help you level up as well . So go back and tune into previous episodes and just take the time necessary to be intentional about what you're allowing to shape you as a person .

Speaker 2 14:52

Allow yourself to redefine success and what that looks like for you by setting your own personal goals instead of following societal norms Like don't be normal child , please . That is for the birds . Be you , be your version of what life looks like . Create your life and live now . Stop waiting , stop thinking it's for everyone else . Stop making excuses for yourself . Hold yourself accountable and know that the life that you want you are deserving of , but you don't want it because someone else has it . You want it because you've done the work to make sure that it's aligned to who you are as a person today and what you want your future to look

Empowerment Through Podcast Engagement

Speaker 2 15:37

like . Now go get it . Make sure that you follow the podcast , share it with your besties , tag us on Instagram to your stories at it's the Human Experience or Workplace Therapy Experience . I'm here for it and I look forward to all of the things that you do to align to your highest self .

Speaker 1 15:57

We hope you caught all those gems . So here for all of it . Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss a gem . Write a review so that we know to keep bringing you episodes like this . And check us out online at itsthehumanexperiencecom to keep up with us . Keep growing and glowing . Catch you on the next episode .