For young people
How do I stop comparing myself to people on social media?
You're comparing your whole real life with someone else's best moment, which isn't a fair comparison. Their post isn't fake, it's just not the whole story.
The highlight reel problem
A university offer, a holiday, gym progress, a new group of friends. Your brain doesn't just compare to the post. It compares to what you think it means: "They're ahead. Everyone else has a better life."
What you don't see
- The doubt before the post
- The awkward and boring days
- The times they said "I have no idea what I'm doing"
Try this
When you notice yourself comparing, ask: what am I actually seeing, one selected moment or the whole picture? Then do one thing that moves your own life forward, however small.
From Chapter 1, "You Are Not Behind".
Quick answers
Should I quit social media?
That's your call. The book's focus is on seeing posts for what they are: one moment, not the whole story.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.