From Crushing It to Questioning Everything- Escaping the Social Media Comparison Trap

In this episode of Balanced, host Stephanie tackles the all-too-familiar feeling of going from “I’m crushing it!” to “Am I even good enough?”—all in the space of one Instagram scroll. She shares why social media can trigger self-doubt, how comparison sneaks into our mindset, and five practical strategies to snap out of it before it derails your day.
Through relatable stories, science-backed insights, and a healthy dose of humor, Stephanie reminds us that behind every highlight reel is a messy, human reality. This episode will help you keep perspective, protect your confidence, and keep showing up for your own journey—without letting someone else’s curated success steal your joy.
00:00 – Welcome to Balanced: Finding your sweet spot in business and life
00:42 – That “crushing it” feeling… until you scroll
01:18 – You’re not alone: why comparison is so common
02:24 – Science behind upward comparison and self-esteem
03:04 – The highlight reel effect: what you’re really seeing online
04:26 – Remembering the unseen struggles behind success
04:28 – Stephanie’s Monday-to-scroll mood shift story
06:05 – Why our brains love to sabotage a good day
07:11 – Fair comparisons: your chapter 2 vs. someone’s chapter 20
07:50 – Five strategies to escape the comparison trap:
  Put the phone down and disrupt the spiral
  Reality check & reframe
  Gratitude & own your wins
  Curate your feed
  Talk it out with someone you trust
11:01 – Shortening the comparison recovery time
11:18 – You’re doing great (even if you compare sometimes)
12:13 – We’re all working on tuning out the noise
12:22 – Don’t let doubt throw away your progress
12:41 – Share your relatable moments with Stephanie
13:04 – Follow the show for more lighthearted real talk
Perfect For:
✓ Entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating social media pressure
✓ Creators who want to protect their confidence online
✓ Anyone struggling with comparison or imposter syndrome
✓ Listeners seeking mindset tools to stay grounded and inspired
Links & Resources:
  Follow Stephanie on Instagram
  Subscribe to Balanced for weekly tips and real talk
  Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder they’re doing great
Remember: The highlight reel isn’t the whole story. You’re doing better than you think.

Want more tips on balancing business and life? Follow me on Instagram for insights on bookkeeping, business, and everything in between!