Comparison and feelings of non-enoughness, hopelesness

This one is going to be about comparing to people who are superior in anything that I want to achieve/ would like to do. Specifically concerning athleticism, physical skills etc., as this is something that really excites me and that is a big part of my life. Sometimes seeing other females doing acrobatics, really strong climbing or other physical skills I would like to learn motivates me and makes me want to start doing something – to also go into this direction and have fun along while learning.
But unfortunately, especially with social media, I notice a different pattern which is not helpful for what I want to achieve and how I want to go about my life –
Here are two models:
C: I see a women that I can relate to doing several back handsprings (=jumping acrobatics) on social media
T: I will never be able to do that (because ___ – I find many reasons).
F: Hopeless.
A: Beat myself up about how hopelessly bad I am compared to her, don’t take care of my body (and my mind), feel unmotivated in my training sessions, look for reasons and proof of how and why I will never be able to do a that skill and also acrobatic in general.
R: I will never be able to do it.

C: See above
T: I shouldn’t even try because (compared to her) I can’t do shit.
F: Not-enoughness.
A: Make what my body can NOT do mean a lot about myself. Seeing only all the things I cannot do. I am not greatful and have fun with my abilities.I Stay in my comfort zone, don’t work on skills I am not good at (yet).
R: Making myself small(er than I am).

I would really like to feel (more often) courageous, bold, playful and positive when I think about my physical practice and training. Using less social media definitly helps, but I would also like to get to different thoughts and emotional responses when I do see somebody with better skills than I currently have.

I am quite sure I get to work with my self-love and compassion. But I do not really know how to get a grab on this pattern and really appreciate your help! Thank you <3

 

 

Answer:

Good work on your models. Right now in your mind people who can do these stunts are better than you in a vertical line. They are up here and you are down there. It seems hard to imagine you’ll ever get up there because you are fighting gravity which are your thoughts that seem to be pulling you back down.

Try looking at these people and yourself on a horizontal line. Along the line are the steps needed to gain the skills you want. Just like a child who starts gymnastics with a simple forward roll and builds from there, you have infinite potential to gain the skills you want. Think of that child looking up to their favorite Olympian. What thoughts do they have about them?

Anyone who achieves at a high level will tell you that along the way was a lot of failure and doubt and falls and pain. It’s all part of the process. We just don’t see it in the highlights of social media.  The question to ask yourself is: If I knew without a doubt I would reach my dreams, what would I do next?