Why Comparing Yourself to Other Teen Entrepreneurs Is a Trap
Scrolling through social media before bed is something many of us do, but it’s an easy way to fall into the comparison trap. You’ll probably see other young entrepreneurs doing big things; some might be ahead in their journey or seem like they’ve blown up overnight. It’s tough not to measure yourself against that. But constantly comparing yourself adds pressure that can mess with your confidence and slow your progress. In this article, we’re going to talk about why this mindset can hurt your business as a teen entrepreneur and how to break out of it.
What Is the Comparison Trap?
The comparison trap is when you’re constantly sizing up your life against other people’s—like their relationships, business successes, or how well they’re doing in school—and it leaves you feeling like you’re not measuring up. It makes you doubt your own abilities, and before you know it, you’re looking for even more people to compare yourself to, just to confirm that you’re somehow behind. As an entrepreneur, that mindset can hold you back.
The Impact on Self-Esteem
Comparing yourself to others, whether online or in person, can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. A 2025 study found that an entrepreneur’s self-esteem plays a big role in their ability to take risks and make decisions. The more confident you feel, the more likely you are to make strategic moves in your business that can lead to bigger wins.
When You’re Focused on Others, You’re Not Focused on Growth
When you spend too much time watching what everyone else is doing, it can leave you stuck. You end up scrolling, overthinking, and convincing yourself that other people are ahead of you. You stop paying attention to the areas you can control, like improving your skills, knocking out small tasks, or reaching out to new people. That comparison cycle pulls you into a place where you stop trying, and your progress stalls.
Strategies to Break Free from the Comparison Mindset
Here are a few simple ways to help you stop comparing yourself to other entrepreneurs.
1. Build Genuine Connections
Instead of focusing on how different you are from other people, try looking at the connections you can make with them. If you see another entrepreneur pulling in a ton of sales while you’re just getting started, don’t immediately jump to asking yourself why you’re not there yet or thinking you’re not good enough.
Reach out to them. Ask how things are going, what they love most about their business, or what their journey looked like when they started. You might find something in their story that feels relatable and reminds you that everyone starts somewhere.
2. Engage in Hobbies Outside Entrepreneurship
Consider mixing up your interests. When your mind is constantly filled with business tasks and the pressure of being a teen entrepreneur, it’s easy to lose sight of yourself. You start zoning in on what everyone else is doing and forget to take care of your own mindset.
Doing activities you love can help you relax and grow in different ways. Whether it’s reading a good book, hitting the gym, hanging out with friends and family, trying a new restaurant, or even learning a new language, these activities build your confidence and give you a break from the grind.
3. Celebrate Personal Milestones
You have to acknowledge your progress, even if it feels small. Whether you reached out to a mentor for the first time, wrote your first blog post, or finally set up a social media page, that’s something to be proud of. According to Psychology Today, recognizing your achievements activates the brain’s reward system, which keeps you feeling motivated and on track. Your celebration doesn’t need to be a big deal. It can be:
- Writing about it in your journal
- Telling a family member or friend
- Posting it on social media
- Treating yourself to your favorite dessert
What to Keep in Mind
If you catch yourself falling into the comparison cycle, switch gears right away. Do something else—pick up a hobby or focus on a small task in your business. As long as you’re doing something each day that moves you closer to your goals, that’s what really counts. Make your well-being a priority and remember that your path is your own.
Building a business in high school? If you’re a Florida teen, the Kantner Foundation scholarship could help you pay for college. Apply here!
