When I first started my business back in 2009, I was still struggling with the confidence to be my true self. I was always worried about what the next photographer was doing. Did their work look better than mine? Was their editing more impressive? Were they busier than me? Spending my time worrying about these questions and answers was distracting me from my true purpose – being the best version of myself that I can be.

It’s natural to look to others in your field from time to time to see what they are up to. Now, when I check out other branding and social media consultants I am inspired and motivated to work harder. However, there is a fine line between being inspired by your fellow girl bosses and comparing yourself to them. It’s important to remember that your journey is your own and you don’t need to keep up with anyone else’s. You can never truly know all the details of someone else’s circumstances. Just because it appears that everything in someone else’s life and business is perfect, doesn’t mean that it actually is.

Your time is better spent besting yourself rather than competing with others. Make friends with your competition and build a community of kick ass creatives who push each other to do better. When it comes to the actual competition, only compare yourself today to yourself yesterday. As long as you continue to grow, learn, and be inspired, you are exactly where you need to be.