“Comparison is an act of violence against the self,” says author and inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant—and in today’s world, it’s never been easier to fall into that trap.

In an era of constant connectivity and curated content, social media often presents only the ‘highlight reel’ of people’s lives. We scroll through filtered perfection, seeing accomplishments, celebrations, and carefully crafted moments of joy, while our own lives—complete with struggles, setbacks, and imperfections—can start to feel lacking by comparison. The danger lies in using others' best moments as a benchmark for our self-worth.

Research has shown that frequent social comparison on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be detrimental to mental health. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day significantly reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness (Hunt et al., 2018). Another study linked upward social comparisons on social media with increased symptoms of low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, especially among adolescents (Fardouly et al., 2015).

Admiring others is healthy. Aspiring to grow and learn from others can be motivating. But constant comparison—especially with unrealistic or curated standards—only fuels self-doubt. It blinds us to our own growth, strengths, and unique qualities.

As students, it’s important to remember that success isn’t a race—it’s a journey. Everyone’s path is different, and so are the challenges and timelines. Rather than measuring your value against someone else’s achievements, focus on your own progress. Celebrate your efforts, your resilience, and your growth.

The grass isn’t greener on the other side—it’s greener where you water it.

So water your lane. Nurture your own goals, reflect on your own values, and find joy in your personal journey. That’s where confidence is built, and where real success begins.