In this episode of What If for Authors, Claire dives into the deeply ingrained habit of comparing ourselves to others—why we do it, how it affects us, and how we can learn to shift from harmful patterns of comparison toward curiosity and growth. Whether you're a writer struggling with self-doubt or simply a human navigating the complexities of social dynamics, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

Key Takeaways

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  Why We Compare Ourselves to Others
  
  Evolutionary roots of comparison and its role in social survival.

  
  


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  How Comparison Impacts Writers
  
  From comparing your books to others in your genre to the challenges of writing to market.

  
  


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  The Enneagram and Comparison
  
  How each type’s core fear influences the way we compare and react.

  
  


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  Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity
  
  Practical tips for recognizing harmful patterns of comparison and replacing them with curiosity.

  
  


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  When to Take a Break
  
  Why stepping back from comp authors or genre-specific reading may help reset your mindset.

  
  

Why Listen: If you’ve ever felt bogged down by comparisons and self-doubt, this episode will help you take the first steps toward freeing yourself from the cycle. Tune in and start embracing your unique path as an author.

Support the Show: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share the show with your fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media.

Happy Writing!