We live in a world where everyone is connected, yet so many feel disconnected from their own path, purpose, and pace.
Social media has become more than just a tool; it’s a mirror, a scoreboard, and sometimes, a stage.
And while it’s easy to say “don’t compare yourself,” the truth is, comparison is often automatic. It’s the most human thing to do.
But here’s the thing: comparison isn’t always bad, if used wisely, it can inspire.
The danger lies in comparison that cripples, the kind that makes you feel like you’re never doing enough, being enough, or growing fast enough.
In this blog post, I want us to explore what it looks like to build in the age of social comparison, especially as creatives.
Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, church media lead, or just someone trying to show up with intention, this conversation is for you.
Let’s talk about the real cost of comparison and how we can trade it for clarity, peace, and purpose.
If you would prefer to listen to the podcast episode, check it out below:
The Dangers of Comparison Culture and How It Subtly Shapes Our Creativity
Comparison doesn’t always show up loud; sometimes it whispers. You see someone else’s “success,” and suddenly, your pace feels too slow.
You see another creative’s aesthetic, and suddenly, your own feels unrefined.
Without realising it, your creative decisions start to shift, not because of divine direction, but because of digital pressure.
You begin to curate, not create. You perform, instead of express. You lose your originality, trying to mirror someone else’s momentum
Comparison culture tricks you into thinking everyone else is winning, fast, big, and effortlessly.
But most of what we see is edited. Staged. Highlighted. And if you’re not careful, comparison will have you building what God never sent you to build.
Why Building in Obscurity Might Be Your Greatest Blessing
Everyone wants to be seen, but not everyone is ready to be revealed.
I have learned that there’s something sacred about hidden seasons.
Those times when you’re not trending, when the likes are low, when your inbox isn’t filled with brand partnerships and other forms of opportunities.
It’s in obscurity that God does some of His best work in you. Your skill is sharpened, your identity is anchored on purpose, and your motive is purified.
Obscurity protects you from premature exposure. It keeps your heart soft, your focus clear, and your ego in check.
I believe that those seasons of crickets sounds are actually seasons of preparation, not punishment.
So, don’t despise the season where it feels like no one is clapping, that’s often the season heaven is cheering the loudest.
RELATED: SOCIAL MEDIA vs. CLOUT: DO NUMBERS REALLY MATTER?
How to Stay Rooted in God’s Timeline, Not the Internet’s
Let’s be honest, the internet is LOUD!
There’s always someone launching something, achieving something, celebrating a milestone, announcing a new product, and so on.
But heaven’s timing is different. God is not in a rush; if He leads you, you won’t live in a frenzy.
To stay rooted, create margin for prayer before planning, track your progress by faithfulness, not followers.
Constantly ask: “Am I building what God asked me to build, or what social media pressured me to?”
When you root your timeline in God’s pace, you’ll find peace even when you are not “there” yet.
What It Takes to Create Work That Has Eternal Relevance
Virality is exciting, it’s interesting, but it fades. And once it fades, the pressure to keep up sets in.
But I’ve found that legacy doesn’t always go viral, it goes deep.
If you want to create work that truly matters, focus more on making impact than on making impressions.
Be okay with depth over reach.
I always ask myself, “Will this content still matter 5 years from now?”
What’s eternal lasts beyond applause, beyond trends, beyond even you.
That kind of work requires clarity of purpose, conviction to keep going, and consistency in the mundane.
The truth is, you don’t need to be everywhere, you don’t even need to be the loudest. You just need to be faithful.
Because what’s built in obedience carries a weight that algorithms can never manufacture.
If 20 people are in a room, chances are 18 of them are on their phones, and If they spend about 30 minutes in that room, 25 of those minutes will likely be spent scrolling through social media.
And do you know what happens while they scroll?
They subconsciously start comparing their lives, their progress, their success, their beauty, even their relationship with God, against a curated feed of other people’s highlights.
This isn’t just a casual observation; it’s backed by psychology.
The Social Comparison Theory suggests that people determine their own social and personal worth based on how they measure up to others.
And in this digital age, we are constantly measuring likes, shares, comments, engagement, aesthetics, followers, and virality.
But here’s the thing: comparison is a thief. It robs us of contentment, clarity, and confidence.
It’s easy to look around and feel like you’re “behind.” But you should be building, not for clout, but for purpose.
Likes don’t build legacy. Virality doesn’t guarantee value. Being seen doesn’t always mean being aligned.
As a creative, I’ve learned that building something that lasts goes beyond surface-level appeal.
Whether it’s managing content for a global Church or building a digital agency from scratch, I’ve had to lean into three core truths:
Clarity. Conviction. Consistency.
And above all, purpose.
If this resonated with you, share it with another creative who needs the reminder.
P.S. This is the first time I’m diving deep into a faith conversation here on the blog. If you’d love more faith-filled content, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter below:
