Megan Elizabeth: Recent Episodes
Megan Elizabeth
In this episode we discuss unhealthy comparisons. Especially when it comes to social media.
Here I share practical tips on how to stop unhealthy comparison.
This is ripped audio from my YouTube episode. For the video version check out https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaW_b58f6J-aDxi6CLBUPrQ
Unhealthy comparison.
- Quite often when I worked alongside teenage girls, one of the biggest issues I’ve seen was unhealthy comparison which then can be progressed into low self esteem issues.
- The average for young women on social media is 18 hours a week
- That’s potentially 604800 seconds a week of unhealthy comparisons.
What happens when we compare ourselves to others?
- Quite often when we compare ourselves to others, we compare what we believe to be our worst attributes and compare them to what we believe to be their best attributes. Especially when we are dealing with social media where people upload only the best parts and not their struggles.
STAT: 70% of women / teens edit and Photoshop their photos before uploading to social media.
- We can not fairly measure or compare ourselves to others purely for the simple fact is that we are all amazingly unique, we are all different. How awesome is that. I mean imagine a world where we were all the same? We’d be so boring. * Even twins don’t have the same fingerprints. Even More so it is a surefire way to say that all our personalities, experiences and everything that shapes us into who we are, are indeed all different. I LOVE THAT!
- Comparisons rob us of precious time, time that we could be focusing on our self growth or on those around us that we love. It robs us of the joy and happiness that we could be filling our lives with instead.
Comparison is the thief of joy.” —Theodore Roosevelt
- When we focus on what others have, we tend to lose focus on what we have and have to offer, our talents, gifts, aspirations and wonderful character traits.
- Comparisons can lead to resentment not only to others but of ourselves. Which is the exact opposite of practicing SELF LOVE and self care.
- Comparisons can start small and then become habitual in every aspect of our lives. Looks, Job, money, Love and so much more. If we do not learn to stop comparing ourselves NOW it will only be much harder to stop later in life.
Did you know that almost 50% of young girls / women have low self esteem?
Low self-esteem is a thinking disorder in which an individual views him/herself as inadequate, unlovable, and/or incompetent. Once formed, this negative view permeates every thought, producing faulty assumptions and ongoing self-defeating behavior.
75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating.
Working with young girls aged between 13-17 I noticed a massive culture surrounding negative self talk.
Here, I share my own story about my experience with negative self talk and how i stopped it and vowed to myself to say nothing at all about myself unless it was positive or helpful. This is an extract from my YouTube video. You can check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAM_yPmFmp8
I would love to hear about your experience, please leave me a comment. I find sharing our experiences with others sheds light on the issue that many of us women face. It enables us to learn from each other and inspire each other.
Boost and build self confidence today with 6 of my top easy to implement tips. Use these tips to make new friends, get that new job, talk to that guy, do what you've always dreamed of and be that person that lights up the room.
Stop self doubt, learn self love and Kick judgement in the face.
5 things you should start doing today to help you become more confident.
*In this video I have stated some ways to grow true long lasting self confidence.
Are you feeling insecure, unworthy or just say lacking in the ability to feel confident? I’m going to let you in on a little secret “ almost everyone feels this way here and there'' It's actually normal. Self confidence is something that we all need to practice. Some people do however get a leg up if they have grown up in a conditioning environment however the cool thing is that ANYONE has the power to cultivate (create) their own confidence. Regardless of their past experiences, setbacks and negative energy that surrounds them. It actually starts with our own belief system. The power of our thoughts. Everything that becomes a reality first starts with our thoughts.
What is self confidence ? The feeling and trust in one’s abilities, qualities and judgement.
Our subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality or fiction. Our thoughts program our minds to believe it is TRUE
This is why it is crucial that we chose our words, and thoughts wisely. Check out our video on negative self talk.
What impacts confidence? External sources i.e people putting us down, past experience of failure and our reaction to it, unhealthy comparison and of course most importantly our own belief system.
Be Kind to Yourself!! Talk yourself up NOT down. Commit to yourself today and forever that you will no longer be mean to yourself. You will treat yourself as if you are a friend or a family member you love dearly. Repeat This: I hereby Promise and Commit to myself today because it is so incredibly important to always treat myself with kindness. Kind Words, Kind Actions, Kind Thoughts. When a negative thought comes into my head I will politely say “Not today, not ever again” “ I am Worthy of self love. Say Thank you, When someone compliments you .. Simply say thank you. Setting goals and achieving them is an amazing confidence booster. Start with small goals, small challenges. I.e Going to bed early to get a good night's sleep. Accept yourself for where you are today on your journey. This is where you are today.. Practice Gratitude for what you do have and say to yourself. I am here, I am alive, I have access to clean water, warm clothes, and am able to learn each day to grow myself and I will enjoy this journey into becoming the best version of myself . Diagram of long road.. Waving to yourself.. Future self says, enjoy the journey.. See you when you get here. Do things that make you happy and feel good MORE. Make time for coffee with a friend, walk in the park, reading etc.
Believe in your ability to improve - growth mindset Give yourself pep talks - visualize a goal Practice failure
Repeat this: I have the ability to achieve whatever it is I put my mind to. Pro tip, People who appear to already have it all, still have goals, they still practice everyday to become better versions of themselves.
Reminder - People who discourage others, because of this simple reason “ they are lacking self esteem themselves” People who bash others are experiencing some bashing themselves.. All behavior is explained. Stick your head up tall and remember the right people will accept you for who you are and like minded people attract like minded people. BE YOURSELF / LOVE YOURSELF for you are unique and all kinds of wonderful!
Hope this info helps.
Have a great week all you beautiful ladies. Megs xx