Jaclyn Margolis Highlights the Advantages to the Upside of Social Comparison in Psychology Today

Comparing oneself is often seen as a negative, a way people reduce their confidence. However, Jaclyn Margolis shares her expertise on how people can use comparisons as a source of inspiration and take proactive steps to reach their goals. Margolis provides four strategies as a good starting place: 

1. Focus on similarities -- research shows that when someone compares themselves against another person, it makes them feel worse. Instead, individuals should reframe the comparison on similarities and use it as motivation. 
2. Set goals -- establish personal goals and define what success looks like for each goal. Goals help individuals focus on the process and internal growth. 
3. Establish collaborative norms -- research has shown when people on a team focus on their own achievements, they feel worse. However, if a team is focused on aligning their goals and striving for communal action, one teammate’s accomplishments is everyone’s success.  
4. Don’t look to just one person -- Several role models are better than one. Combining positive attributes from a selection of people instead of a sole individual can help maintain one’s authenticity. 

The full article is available in the January issue of Psychology Today Magazine.