How to Stop Comparing and Start Creating

Do you ever start the day full of ideas and inspiration but then when you sit down at your desk, nothing appears?

Maybe instead you find yourself pondering how you can get yourself a vacation like your cousin's friend, or wondering how your old co-worker is coming out with a new book again, or fantasizing about how you can get a kitchen upgrade like Aunt Jackie?

Ninety-nine percent of the time these distracting thoughts come from "just taking a peek" at social media before beginning the day. Sure it's super tempting to turn off your phone alarm and let your thumb auto-pilot over to Instagram for some "inspiration" and the next thing you know you've spent your first 10 minutes of your precious day comparing yourself to everyone in your feed.

Instead, start each day with this mantra: Create before you consume.

Make a rule that before you can open up a social media app, turn on the news, or read the latest headlines, you must first create something or complete your most important task of the day.

I'm not saying throw all media out with the bathwater (or shower water, if you prefer those in the morning). Just stop filling your time in the morning with a few minutes of scrolling and instead get yourself to establish a habit of not opening these apps until you've finished one or a few important tasks of the day.

This is particularly important if you're in the business of any kind of creative work. It's so hard to be creative when we're comparing ourselves to others. Let yourself forget about everyone else for a little while and focus on doing the important work you are here to do.

The notifications will still be there, you'll still get to chime into the conversations you want to, the news isn’t going anywhere, but you won't spend your day wondering why your high school friend is obsessed with her pug or being all jealous of your ex's new main squeeze. You don't have time for that.