Episode #243 Comparison is a Thief

Mindset Matters

🎙️ Podcast Segment: Chapter 3 – “Comparison is a Thief, Not a Coach” Good morning everybody, you’re listening to the Mindset Matters podcast, I’m your host Riley Jensen and today I want to talk about one of the quietest killers of confidence, motivation, and mental performance: Comparison. Let me ask you something: Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, or TikTok, or maybe just walked into a meeting or locker room… and instantly felt like you weren’t doing enough? Yeah. Me too. Today’s episode is inspired by Chapter 3 of my book Pure Unadulterated Guts, and I’m going to tell you why comparison, when unchecked, can quietly rob you of joy, grit, and presence. Let’s get into it. ⚠️ Part 1: The Comparison Trap Here’s an important point--comparison is for choosing between cars, not character. You’ve probably heard the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Teddy Roosevelt said it. And in all my years coaching athletes, leaders, and teams—it’s never proven false. We compare ourselves constantly. Not just to others' success… but to their highlight reels. And we end up measuring our worst moments against someone else’s best. Let me give you a quick story. When I was in high school, I was the quarterback, point guard, and shortstop. You might think that meant I was going out every weekend. Truth is—there were plenty of Friday nights where I was home, feeling left out. Now imagine if I had social media back then, showing me exactly what I was missing in real time? That’s the world our kids live in. Heck, that’s the world we live in. So here’s a question for you: 👉 How do you feel after you scroll your feed? Do you feel energized? Inspired? Or do you feel behind… like you’re not measuring up? 🔥 Part 2: Flip the Script—From Comparison to Ignition Now, not all comparison is bad. There’s a concept I love from The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. It’s called "ignition." It’s that moment when you see someone like you doing something incredible—and it sparks your drive. I remember watching Ty Detmer play QB at BYU when I was in high school. He was nothing short of amazing. He was 6 feet tall. He had blond hair. He had similar traits to me. And that lit a fire in me—it ignited something. So comparison can fuel you, if it inspires action. But if it causes self-doubt or paralysis, it’s time to check yourself. Here’s how: Ask yourself: 👉 Is what I’m seeing on social media sparking action? Or is it causing me to shrink? That question alone can reset your relationship with your feed. 🧠 Part 3: Be Where Your Feet Are—Use W.I.N. Here’s a tool that I teach to elite athletes—and I use it myself all the time. It’s called W.I.N. — "What’s Important Now?" Let me break it down real quick. When you’re in a game—or in life—and you make a mistake, or you feel pressure rising, comparison often creeps in. You start time traveling—into the past (“I should have done better”) or the future (“What if I mess up again?”). W.I.N. brings you back to the present. Ask yourself the question: 👉 What’s Important Now? Not 5 minutes ago. Not next quarter. Right now. I’ve had athletes write this on their cleats, gloves, even their mirror at home. The present moment is the only place performance lives. If you can consistently be where your feet are—you’re already winning.