If their achievements make you panic — this is for you
A personal note on pressure, purpose, and growth
I was scrolling through Instagram recently and saw the amazing things people my age — and even younger — were achieving. I was impressed.
Now, two years ago, something like that would have sent my mind spiralling. Feelings of inadequacy would rise.
Next thing? I’d be rushing to do something — maybe launch a course or post something to prove, “Hey, me too! I’m still relevant. I’m also doing big things.”
But over the past few years, I’ve learned to outgrow the pressure that comes with social achievements.
Sometimes, it still gets to me. But not in a way that makes me feel insecure or inadequate.
It’s just a simple, honest feeling — one we all get when someone is doing well: “I can be that great too.”
Now, when I feel that way, it’s a sign. A sign that I can do as much. That I’m capable of more.
But let me tell you — this growth didn’t just happen. It came because I chose to sit with myself two years ago and define what success and achievement looked like for me.
In a world full of awards, flash, luxury, and recognition, I needed to know what I considered success.
Winning an award? Super cool.
But for me, it’s not always an indicator of impact.
So, I drew up a map — my vision, and the metrics that would show me I was progressing and succeeding.
Here’s what I realized:
- Buying a car might be an achievement for many on LinkedIn.
For me? Having 100 people start investing after taking my masterclass felt more like success. - Starting a tech company? Incredible.
For me? Hosting my first physical book club with over 50 members — that was it.
Knowing my success metric has helped me do two things:
- Appreciate other people’s wins without losing my focus.
- Stay consistent with building the kind of impact that truly matters to me.
Now, other people’s success is fuel. Not a catalyst for insecurity.
So, this is a call to action:
✅ Sit with yourself.
✅ Define your vision.
✅ Draw your vision map
✅ Set your own success metrics.
You’ll thank yourself for it, especially on days when the noise gets loud.
Since you enjoyed reading this, you will love this:
We do not have the audacity to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with some who [supply testimonials to] commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdom and behave like fools.
2 Corinthians 10:12 (AMP)
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