If you saw a recent post I put up about comparisons being lethal then you are probably a little confused about this blog topic. Well, let me first say, I DO believe comparisons can halt one’s progress because quite frankly they only make you shrink down to the calling of others when you were called to be great where you are! Howeva’, below I list those select times when I believe comparisons can do us some good.
- When comparing your current state to you previous state. Using YOURSELF as a plumb line allows you to see your progress and what you will work on next. In a way it’s comparing yourself to yourself. It’s one of the most healthiest outlooks because it not only allows you to be introspective but more importantly you can celebrate even the smallest of achievements. (Listen, progress is progress- no matter how little it is-Celebrate it! )
- Comparing yourself to someone in your market-space for the MERE purpose of redefining your UNIQUE value proposition. This is actually quite healthy since we, especially as Creatives, should ALWAYS be evolving, reinventing, and innovating who we are. It’s a great feeling to celebrate those in your market-space when you know you offer something a tad different (that secret sauce can be tied into who YOU are too!- don’t overlook that!)
- Lastly, comparisons are good when you set out to LEARN from the other person. I believe we should use all parts of our environment as a learning experience. If you see a counterpart doing something who ‘gets’ it- learn from them. Clearly they are doing SOMETHING right. Correct? When you are confident in who you are and what you are offering there is no need to re-create a wheel that is clearly not broken. See what works and apply ‘your’ touch to it. It makes this process a whole lot easier-ya think?
Sway Buckley
Your ARTpreneur Coach
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Sway Buckley is an ARTpreneur Coach, Speaker, CEO of a leading Creative Arts Staffing firm and Founder of The sm(ART)ist Institute. The institute offers coaching to Creatives of all kinds who are ready to catapult their business. As a professional dancer and choreographer Sway has toured internationally and continued her dance training in New York at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Steps on Broadway after attaining her BFA in dance from Texas Christian University. She has a weekly blog that helps Creatives design profitable streams with their craft. Sign-up to be the on the list at www.smartartistinstiute.com