#34: Why You Compare (and 6 Ways to Use It to Your Advantage) Artwork

The Distracted Dreamer

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I’m Carlene Bauwens, entrepreneur, Life Coach and now host of The Distracted Dreamer podcast. I’m here to show you how to kick distraction to the curb and grab hold of your dreams. Your happiness matters. You have a big, beautiful, amazing life to live. And you've only got one of them. Welcome to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast.

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The Distracted Dreamer

#34: Why You Compare (and 6 Ways to Use It to Your Advantage)

June 16, 2025 • Carlene Bauwens • Episode 34

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Have you ever felt that quiet ache of not measuring up—like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try? You know those moments where it feels like everyone else is ahead—more successful, more creative, more together?

I used to believe that if I just learned more, worked harder, or polished everything to perfection, I’d finally catch up to…well, everyone else.

But here’s what I know now: comparison was keeping me stuck. It was robbing me of my voice, my creativity, and my joy.

In this episode, I’m opening up about the subtle, sneaky ways comparison has shaped my journey and how I’ve learned to shift it. Because the truth is, comparison keeps us small. The great news is that we can learn how to use comparison to our advantage.

HERE ARE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

1️⃣ You are hard-wired to compare yourself to others and it happens in a split-second (and it’s not your fault)

2️⃣ Your early childhood experiences have a significant impact on how you measure yourself today.

3️⃣ Your growth is measured by how far you’ve come. Not how close you are to reaching someone else's finish line.

Hit play if you're ready to stop playing small and start building a life that feels like yours.

Check out all my coaching and course offerings - Coachcarlene.com