Table of Contents
As freelancers, we’ve all been there.
You’re scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, and bam! There it is: a fellow freelancer celebrating a huge client win, posting about their six-figure income, or flaunting their envy-worthy work setup in some dreamy destination. Suddenly, your achievements feel minuscule, and that sneaky little monster called FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) starts whispering in your ear.
But here’s the thing: comparing your journey to others doesn’t just drain your confidence—it also distracts you from your own goals. So how do you stop the cycle of comparison and focus on your unique path? Let’s dive in.
1. Remember: Social Media is a Highlight Reel
Nobody posts about the client ghosting them, the project that flopped, or the all-nighters they pulled to meet a deadline. Social media is often a curated version of reality. Instead of comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, remind yourself that every freelancer has struggles—they just don’t share them.
Tip: Limit your time on platforms that trigger comparison. Set boundaries, like checking them only during specific hours or unfollowing accounts that make you feel inadequate.
2. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)
It’s easy to overlook your achievements when you’re fixated on someone else’s milestones. Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Landed your first client? Hit a monthly income goal? Improved your skills? These are all worth celebrating!
Tip: Try keeping a “Win Journal” where you jot down every accomplishment, no matter how small. On tough days, look back at your progress for a confidence boost.
3. Focus on Your Unique Value
No one else can offer what you do in the exact way you do it. Your skills, experiences, and personality make you irreplaceable. Instead of trying to emulate someone else’s success, focus on strengthening your niche and delivering your best work.
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” so steal it back by doubling down on what makes you, you.
4. Reframe Success
Success is subjective. For some, it’s earning six figures; for others, it’s having the freedom to work from anywhere. Define what success means to you and create a roadmap to achieve it.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I prioritizing what truly matters to me?
- What makes me feel fulfilled in my freelance career?
By focusing on your personal goals, you’ll find it easier to tune out external noise.
5. Turn FOMO into Motivation
Instead of letting other people’s achievements make you feel inferior, use them as inspiration. What can you learn from their success? Is there a skill or strategy they’re using that could work for you?
Mindset Shift: “If they can do it, so can I!”
6. Practice Gratitude
It’s impossible to feel jealous and grateful at the same time. Cultivate gratitude by acknowledging the good in your freelancing journey—whether it’s the freedom to set your schedule, work with amazing clients, or simply do what you love.
Gratitude Exercise: Every evening, write down three things you’re thankful for in your freelancing career. It’s a game-changer!
A Personal Story: The Moment I Stopped Comparing Myself
A few years ago, I was in a constant battle with FOMO. Every time I saw another freelancer sharing their latest six-figure deal or posting about their “dream” work-from-anywhere lifestyle, I felt like I was falling behind. One day, I came across a post from a fellow freelancer celebrating the launch of a project that seemed so perfect. They had glowing testimonials, a beautiful website, and a client list that seemed straight out of a dream.
I couldn’t help but feel deflated. My projects weren’t as shiny, and I wasn’t traveling the world while working. That’s when I realized something: I had been so fixated on comparing my journey to theirs that I forgot to look at how far I’d come.
I took a step back and reminded myself that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all package. For me, success meant being able to set my own hours and work with clients I truly enjoyed. That was enough for me. The turning point came when I started celebrating my own wins—no matter how small—and focusing on my personal growth rather than someone else’s highlight reel.
Now, when I see someone else’s success, I use it as inspiration rather than a yardstick for my own journey. We all have our unique paths, and that’s what makes freelancing so exciting!
FAQs About Freelancer FOMO
- What if I feel stuck while everyone else seems to be thriving?
It’s normal to feel stuck sometimes. Everyone grows at their own pace. Focus on your progress and take small steps forward. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Reassess your goals. Remember, your journey is unique, and your time will come. - How do I deal with imposter syndrome triggered by comparison?
Imposter syndrome happens to everyone. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Trust in your skills. You’re doing great, even when it feels like you’re not. - Is it okay to take a social media detox?
Yes, taking a break from social media is perfectly fine. It gives you a chance to reset and focus on what matters most. You can return to it when you’re ready, feeling refreshed and more focused. Your work and creativity will benefit from the time away.
Final Thoughts
Comparing yourself to others will only stunt your growth. The more you focus on your unique path, the more fulfilling your freelance journey will be. Embrace your successes, learn from others without measuring yourself against them, and, most importantly, remember that you’re exactly where you need to be. Your time is coming—trust the process.
Focus on your own path rather than the polished highlights of others—after all, even their Instagram feed has a filter. Your unique journey is your greatest asset… embrace it and let the envy fade!
Remember, every freelancer is on their own unique journey—comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty is like trying to compare a caterpillar and a butterfly. Focus on your growth, not their wings.