You vs. You: A Personal Finance Perspective

The Race Against Yourself  

My goal is simple: be better than me yesterday—and only me.

I track this progress by consistently monitoring my finances. 💰 I look to see if I'm consistently saving and mindfully spending and if my investments are growing 📈 (acknowledging they sometimes go down, too). This personal tracking system is a reminder and motivation to push me forward.  

Here's the thing—the only one you should be competing with is yourself. You know your whole story—your struggles, wins, and setbacks. 🏆 You don't know much beyond what others want you to know about their situation, so why compare yourself to them? I've found it's healthier and more beneficial to focus on your own journey and let others focus on theirs.




The Comparison Trap  

Often, we look outward, comparing what others have or are doing to our own situation. 🤔 I believe this is a recipe for disaster, and here's why:  

We only see what's at the surface—what people want us to see. That person driving a nice car 🚗 and living in a fancy home might be doing better financially than you—or they might not be. They could be drowning in debt 💳 and constantly worrying about money.  

The numbers back this up, too. According to research from the American Psychological Association, about 72% of Americans report feeling stressed about money, with social comparison being a significant contributor to financial anxiety. 😟 That's nearly three out of four people letting comparison drive their financial stress!  

When you pressure yourself to live up to external standards, you risk putting yourself in a precarious financial position just to keep up appearances. And for what? Does that actually bring joy to your life?  

I encourage anyone caught in this trap to stop and reflect on what you truly want for yourself. What are YOUR financial goals, not the ones society or your social media feed has established for you? 🎯  

Redefining Success  

You are truly your only competition. While others may seem like "competition" in areas like your career, prioritizing your own personal growth will propel you further than merely striving to outshine them.  

If I'm better than I was yesterday—whether in my personal life, professional development, spiritual journey, or financial situation—that's winning. 🥇 That's all that matters. This perspective encourages you to shift your focus from pursuing external validation, which is beyond your control, to nurturing your own internal development, which is entirely within your control.  

My Personal Tracking Journey  

On a financial note, I started tracking my net worth about eight years ago. It was my way of knowing where I stood and where I was heading. 📊 It started very basic and has improved over time.  

I don't remember exactly when I began because I didn't document that—I just created a simple spreadsheet with a list of accounts and balances. Then, I started adding dates and would update the spreadsheet inconsistently.  

Today, I track my finances with a detailed spreadsheet—now enhanced with formulas, visuals, and key indicators—which I update monthly. This tool gives me a clear (though always evolving) picture of how my financial journey unfolds, both year over year and month to month. 📅 The goal isn’t to compare myself to anyone else but to stay informed, motivated, and aware of my personal progress. 

Looking back, I can see how those transitions and decisions I made impacted me, how I've grown 🌱, and how I will continue to grow. While I can be my biggest critic sometimes, I'm also my biggest cheerleader. 🙌  

Be Your Own Cheerleader  

I want you to be your own cheerleader, too. Instead of making others your competition, make yesterday's version of yourself your competition. Get motivation from others' success 🎉, but don't let it make you feel inadequate about your journey.  

I understand this isn't always easy. In a world of Instagram highlights and LinkedIn humblebrags, comparison becomes the norm. However, I assure you that the peace of mind from running your own race is worth the effort.  

Your financial journey is unique. Honor, track, celebrate, and most importantly, make it yours.  

Ready to start competing only against yourself? Begin with a simple tracking system like I did—just list your accounts and balances, and don't forget to subtract any debts or liabilities you have. This provides you with your true financial picture. Even if you're starting with a negative net worth due to student loans or other debts, tracking your progress will reveal how your financial decisions are moving you forward. Then, observe how focusing on your progress changes your relationship with money.  

✨Managing money like a boss is about being clear about YOUR goals and letting them lead the way—not the perceived lifestyles of others.✨

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