How do you deal with self-comparison in college?

The nature of academics includes a certain degree of comparison almost inherently. To get accepted, you must be compared and measured against your peers, and I’m someone who has always struggled with self comparison which only contributes to my anxiety. And that’s not something that goes away with a progression into post-grad education, especially medical school.

For me, it’s so important to be aware of how easy it is to slip into a comparison mindset because it prevents me from growing and staying focused on what’s most important, which is my own success and learning in the pursuit of this degree, so this is what I do!

I do what I can to stay present in the moment and avoid dwelling on things that aren’t in my control anymore, like the exam I just took for example. I also spend time each week reflecting and refocusing my energy so I stay focused on my own success without comparison to others. Staying in that mindset only makes me feel worse about myself and the imposter syndrome I deal with on a regular basis can’t handle additional input.

What do you do that helps? Is this something you feel like you struggle with?

#college #lemon8challenge #letschat #collegereality #collegereflection #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #Lemon8Diary #comparison #anxiety