Fitness is not about being Better than Someone else. It’s about being Better than You used to be

Everybody has experienced it: going through social media, noticing people who seem to have six-pack abs, finishing marathons, or surpassing weightlifting ambitions. Feeling like you’re not doing enough or “fitting” in is a common result of comparing yourself to others. It’s not about comparing oneself to other people when it comes to fitness, though. Who can go quicker, stronger, or leaner is not the point of competition. It’s about “you” to be fit. It’s about putting yourself first, pushing your boundaries, and acknowledging and appreciating your accomplishments, no matter how tiny. The only person you have to improve upon is the one you were the day before. 1. Begin at your location, not that of another person. “I wish I could do that” or “I’ll never be as fit as them” are common thoughts that come to mind as one observes others. But here’s the thing: each person has a unique fitness journey. Everybody has a different beginning place, body, and set of problems. It’s acceptable if something that suits one individual doesn’t suit another. The important thing is that *you* begin where you are. Prioritize *your* journey over anyone else’s. It could be as easy as walking after supper, using the stairs rather than the elevator, or performing a little workout at home. Fitness isn’t about making abrupt, significant changes. It all comes down to making little decisions that build up over time. 2. Honor your own progress Retrospection and recognizing your progress is one of the most satisfying aspects of any fitness program. Even if at initially you were only able to run for a minute or so, you can now run for five. Perhaps after months of practice, you’ve mastered that yoga pose. No matter how minor the victories may appear, it’s crucial to take the time to enjoy them. If you observe someone else completing more kilometers at a faster pace or lifting bigger weights, don’t minimize your own accomplishments. Your trip is yours, and theirs is theirs. Personal fitness is about *your* development, *your* strength, and *your* accomplishments. 3. Not All Progress Is Linear I’ve discovered the hard way that growth in fitness isn’t always linear. You’ll have days when you’ll be energized, powerful, and prepared to take on the world. On the other hand, there are days when you’ll feel worn out, uninspired, or like you’re not moving forward at all. And that is quite typical. The important thing is to persevere through the bad days. Fitness is more about consistency than it is about perfection. When necessary, it’s acceptable to slow down, take pauses, or adjust your exercise regimen. Even though it doesn’t always feel like it, what important is that you’re still taking care of yourself and trying to be a bit better than you were the day before. 4. You Are the Only One You Should Compete Against The comparison game is easy to get into, especially with social media continuously displaying the best moments from other people’s lives. But keep in mind that the goal of your fitness journey is not to outperform someone else. It’s about being the best version of “yourself”. Compete with the person you were last week, last month, or last year. Did you run a little further? Did you lift a little more weight? Did you push through a workout when you wanted to quit? The true triumphs are those. You’re growing stronger both mentally and physically at those times. 5. Achieving Fitness Is a Process, Not a Finish Line Fitness isn’t about getting to a place where you’re “perfect” and then quitting. It’s an ongoing process of personal development, self-improvement, and self-care. There are always going to be new objectives to pursue, difficulties to overcome, and challenges to push yourself. But above all, keep in mind that this is “your” path. The person you were yesterday is the only one you should be attempting to surpass.So, the next time you’re tempted to compare yourself to someone else, remember that it’s not about them. It worries you. It all boils down to being in the moment, working hard, and feeling proud of every step you take toward bettering yourself. It’s All About You in the End Put an end to evaluating yourself against those you see at the gym or online. You’re on your path; they’re following theirs. Pay attention to your own development, resilience, and path. Fitness is about being better than you were a year ago, not about being better than someone else. And the only rivalry that counts is that one.