In seven years of coaching at Wotown Fit, one of the most common things I’ve seen hold people back has nothing to do with their fitness. It’s comparison. Someone walks in motivated, works hard, and then leaves frustrated because they spent the whole workout measuring themselves against someone else.
It creates stress that doesn’t need to exist. It distorts your view of your own progress. And over time, it can make you feel like you’re failing when you’re actually not.
Here are three things that help.
1. Recognize your stage of life
Everyone at Wotown Fit is at a different point in life. A 44-year-old comparing themselves to a 22-year-old isn’t a fair comparison. It’s not even a useful one. Different ages, different bodies, different life experiences, different demands on your time and energy.
I’ll speak for myself. In my early twenties, fitness was about chasing PRs and trying to be one of the top athletes in the gym. In my late twenties, I was still competing with myself while figuring out how to be a new dad. In my early thirties, a new business, building a home, and a pandemic all showed up at once. Fitness took a back seat. That was the right call for that season.
Now, heading into the back half of my thirties, my goals look completely different. I’m not trying to be the fastest person in the room. I’m trying to build strength, add muscle, and stay healthy for as long as possible. That’s the right goal for where I am. Your goal should match where you are too.
2. Compare yourself to you
Once you know what stage of life you’re in, set goals that actually fit it. Not someone else’s goals. Yours.
Right now I’m working toward adding 5 lbs of muscle, hitting some new strength numbers, and completing my first HYROX Race. Those are my markers. That’s what I’m measuring myself against.
The only question worth asking is whether you’re better than you were. Are you stronger than last month? More consistent than last year? Eating better than you were six months ago? That’s progress. That’s what we’re after at Wotown Fit. Small improvements done consistently over a long time are what actually change your life.
3. Celebrate yourself and others
When you’re focused on your own goals, hitting them actually feels good. And when you’re genuinely invested in your own progress, it becomes a lot easier to cheer for other people too.
Comparison kills that. It turns someone else’s win into a reminder of what you haven’t done. That’s not fair to them and it’s not fair to you.
I genuinely love seeing new people show up on the leaderboard. I love watching someone hit a PR they’ve been working toward for months. I love seeing members who have grown into better athletes than me. That’s what a real community looks like.
At Wotown Fit, we say work hard and be nice. Comparing yourself to others makes both of those harder. Stay focused on your own work, celebrate the people around you, and keep showing up. That’s the whole job.
