Navigating Comparison and Jealousy in Sports
Hey, team, happy Sunday!
Your lane is the only one that matters. Win in it.
Table of Contents
⚾ For Athletes: Stay Locked In on Your Growth
3 Ways to Beat Comparison
Scroll less, train more. Social media shows the results, never the reps.
Compete with yesterday’s you. Track your own progress. That’s the only score that matters.
Turn jealousy into fuel. Admire what they have — then go earn your version of it.
2 Quotes to Remember
“You can’t fully chase your dream while watching someone else’s.”
Simone Biles: “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps — I’m the first Simone Biles.”
1 Question to Reflect On
If you couldn’t see what anyone else was doing… how would you measure success?
👨👩👧 For Parents: Help Your Athlete Feel Enough — Right Now
3 Ways to Reduce the Pressure of Comparison
Speak life into their uniqueness. Praise traits they can own — resilience, work ethic, leadership.
Avoid “Why can’t you be like…” statements. Even subtle comparisons cut deep.
Model contentment. If you’re always comparing homes, jobs, or families — they notice.
2 Quotes to Anchor You
“The comparison game creates anxious athletes. The self-awareness game creates strong ones.”
Dr. Lisa Damour: “Self-worth rooted in achievement is fragile. Help them root deeper.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Do your athlete’s eyes stay on their own journey — or are they always glancing sideways?
🧢 For Coaches: Build a Culture of Internal Standards
3 Ways to Coach Beyond Comparison
Talk about growth over rank. Make “Most Improved” a more meaningful title than “Most Talented.”
Set personal goals for each player. Create custom metrics that foster ownership and identity.
Call out great effort, not just great outcomes. Praise what can be controlled, not just what wins awards.
2 Quotes to Coach With
“Your role is to build a team — not a ranking system.”
John Wooden: “Success is peace of mind… knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”
1 Question to Reflect On
Do your athletes feel like teammates — or competitors for approval?
Comparison kills joy.
Jealousy steals focus.
But self-awareness builds confidence.
Stay in your lane. Own your mission. Trust the work.
With you in the process,
David Lovell
Founder of the F.O.C.U.S. System | Mental Performance Coach
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