Yesterday I made a big mistake.

I went to LinkedIn searching for designers to interview; this was for a new series I’m starting but more on that below. As I looked through my network, I started seeing the people I worked with in previous jobs. As I read everyone’s titles, I noticed that many of them were now managers, which fast-tracked me into the downward spiral of comparison with others. Thoughts like, why not me? Maybe I’m not good enough! It took over my mind.

Luckily I realized in time that what I was doing was not helpful, and I didn’t need to be thinking these thoughts, but they did start to bring me down. I realized that one sure way I could break free from these thoughts was to go for a run. Getting fresh air and a change of scenery away from the laptop was just what I needed.

After the run, and with a clearer mind, I thought about my experience earlier. I decided to call my good friend Jonathan Bowman to get his perspective on my earlier thoughts since he has a more stable worldview than me. He gave it to me straight told me something that we can all use in moments when we begin to compare ourselves and frame our worldview in a negative light. He told me, “You are very bad at assessing your own worth. Let someone else share your worth back to you to help you realize that you are phenomenal.”

Point taken. I will be making a poster of these words to put up in my office to remind myself every day.

How we frame the world around us has a big impact on how we show up in our lives. We can frame our world in a negative light, and then everything has the power to bring us down, but if we frame our world in a positive and realistic light, we can lean in and show up as our unique and fabulous selves.

On that note, if you ever need someone to remind you how amazing you are or if you just want to talk, I’m always available.

As I mentioned earlier, I am starting an interview series in which I want to explore the struggles designers experience in their mindsets, thoughts, and emotions and the external challenges they face. Want to share your story? Hit reply, and let’s talk. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Rizwan