Compare Less, Create More
Comparison triggers insecurity. Admiration → aspiration → action: name what you like, make it yours, and get back to your lane.
‘The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel’ – Steven Furtick
Staying competitive doesn’t mean competing with everyone. It means competing for your attention, your best hours, and your growth.
Comparing yourself to other artists usually feeds insecurity. It drags your gaze sideways instead of forward. Being aware of what you admire is useful - if you turn it into a concrete plan for your own development.
Why comparison stalls you
It anchors you to the past (“where I’m not yet”) instead of the next step.
It inflates limiting beliefs (“I’m not enough”), which kills momentum.
It swaps allies for adversaries - and you need allies.
A healthier frame: Admire → Aspire → Acquire
Admire: notice specific attributes (tone, writing habits, stagecraft, consistency).
Aspire: choose which ones fit your goals and brand.
Acquire: design the reps (lesson, mentor, 30-day sprint, collab) and a check-in date.
Runners don’t stare sideways
Winners glance at the field, then lock back on the finish line. Same here: keep your eyes on your vision, milestones, and weekly non-negotiables (practice, rehearsal, outreach). Quick checks, then forward.
Collaborate, don’t calcify
The artists you “compete” with today might be on your next bill, co-write, or split-single. Notice overlap and pitch a small collab that benefits both audiences.
Activities & exercises (ready to use)
Healthy Comparison - Aspire to Acquire
List the people you tend to compare yourself to. Capture 3–5 attributes for each. Decide keep/avoid, tie it to your goals, and write an acquire plan with dates.How Do You Compare? (Self + Peer 3×3)
Three things you like about your music/playing; three edges to improve. Then ask three trusted people for “three specifics I do well” + “one stretch.”Comparison Detox Playbook
Vision (12–36 months) → three 90-day milestones → this month’s focus → weekly non-negotiables → a distraction plan (what you’ll mute/unfollow/limit) → weekly progress checks.Competitor → Collaborator Map
For each admired act, note what you respect, audience overlap, and one small collab idea (bill swap, content cameo, co-write), plus your first outreach step.
Compare Less, Create More: pick one attribute you admire, schedule a 30-day skill sprint, and send one friendly collab feeler this week.
I’ve packaged the worksheets - say the word and I’ll send them over
This series, the content and any observations or suggestions made are based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation.