Listen "From Crushing It to Questioning Everything- Escaping the Social Media Comparison Trap"
Episode Synopsis
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 talkPerfect 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 inspiredLinks & 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 greatRemember: 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!