Can I be honest? I have a love-hate relationship with social media.
I love how it keeps me connected to friends and colleagues I don’t see often. But sometimes, I hate who I become when I scroll through my feed. I see others doing incredible things—taking special trips, hosting engaging staff meetings, or connecting with students in inspiring ways—and I start to feel inadequate.
What begins as a space to share ideas and celebrate successes can quickly turn into a breeding ground for comparison. Instead of feeling inspired, I feel discouraged. Can you relate?
When we compare ourselves horizontally (to others), it often leads to feelings of inadequacy or self-righteousness. Neither honors God’s unique plan for our lives or our callings as educators.
This reminds me of a common mantra I used to hear in classrooms when I was an elementary principal. Whenever students criticized someone else’s lunch, favorite TV show, or choice of art supplies, teachers would gently remind them, “Don’t yuck someone else’s yum.”
It worked wonders with kids. And I can’t help but think that as adults, we could use the same reminder at times.
The following three faith-based steps can help us overcome the comparison traps we often fall into so easily on social media:
- Reframe: Celebrate Their Wins and Stay Grateful for Yours
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15, NIV
Instead of letting someone else’s success make you feel “less than,” choose to celebrate it. Their win doesn’t diminish yours. God has uniquely equipped each of us for the work we’re called to do. Taking time to thank God for your gifts and talents can reframe your mindset, helping you appreciate both what others have achieved and the blessings in your own life.
- Refocus: Turn Comparison into Curiosity
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8, NIV
Comparison can either discourage you or drive you to grow. Instead of envying someone’s success, get curious: What can I learn from this? How might I adapt their idea to fit my own context? Refocusing your energy this way allows you to grow without diminishing the value of your current contributions.
- Reconnect: Seek God’s Perspective First
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10, NIV
Social media’s highlight reels can distract us from the deeper work God has called us to do. Before you scroll, take time to reconnect with Him. Pray for wisdom, strength, and clarity to focus on the specific work He has entrusted to you. When we prioritize God’s perspective, the pressure to compete fades, replaced by confidence rooted in His plan for us.
Social media can be a powerful tool to connect and grow, but we must be careful to not use it as a measure of our worth or effectiveness as educators. Let’s remember that we are all running our own race, uniquely designed by God.
So next time you catch yourself falling into the comparison trap, take a deep breath and remind yourself: Don’t yuck someone else’s yum! Reframe, refocus, and reconnect. After all, the work we do isn’t for likes or shares—it’s for the Kingdom.