CREATE YOUR OWN HIGHLIGHT REEL
Letting go of comparison and celebrating your wins
Lately, I've caught myself looking around and wondering: Am I behind?
Not the kind of fun that comes with planning, coordinating, or making sure everyone else is okay first.
Other people seem settled. They're celebrating promotions, buying homes, launching businesses. Meanwhile, I'm updating resumes, learning new industries, figuring out my next step.
That's when I realized something: I'm so busy looking at what other people are doing that I forgot to look at what I've already done.
That's the thing about comparison - it has a way of focusing our attention on what we haven't done yet while making us overlook everything we've already accomplished.
We do this all the time. We see someone else's highlight reel and completely overlook our own. We focus on the milestones we haven't hit yet and forget about the ones we already have.
This month, I invite you to create your own highlight reel - a reminder of just how awesome you are and how far you've already come.
Comparison check-in
Comparison often happens so quickly that we don’t even realize the story we’re telling ourselves.
Ask: Who or what am I comparing myself to right now?
Then reflect:
The comparison: What person, milestone, or situation is triggering this feeling?
The story: What am I telling myself because of it?
The truth: What is actually true when I step back and look at my own journey?
Create your own highlight reel
Think of this as the opposite of a vision board.
Instead of focusing on the things you're going to do someday, focus on the things you've already done.
Pull out a notebook, open a Notes app, create a Pinterest board, or grab some sticky notes and start celebrating your wins.
Be your own hype woman.
Career
Wherever you are in your career journey, take a moment to give yourself credit. Growth doesn't look the same for everyone.
Ask: What professional accomplishment am I proud of?
Celebrate:
A promotion
Going back to school
Starting your own business
Updating your resume or LinkedIn
Networking and putting yourself out there
Mentoring someone else
Learning a new skill
Changing careers
Surviving a difficult season at work
Finances
Money journeys look different for everyone. Your wins may not always be visible to others, but they still count.
Ask: What financial step have I taken that my past self would be proud of?
Celebrate:
Saving toward a goal
Creating a budget
Paying off debt
Investing for the future
Learning more about money
Asking for financial advice
Building healthier money habits
Self-Care & Wellness
Taking care of yourself is a real accomplishment. Treat it that way.
Ask: How have I shown myself care this year?
Celebrate:
Sticking to your workout routine
Seeking support for your mental health
Prioritizing rest
Drinking more water
Going to therapy
Taking your medication consistently
Making time for yourself
Relationships & Community
The people you show up for matter. The people who show up for you matter.
Ask: What relationships have enriched my life, and how have I shown up for others?
Celebrate:
Strengthening a friendship
Making a new connection
Reaching out when you needed support
Setting healthy boundaries
Showing up for family and friends
Becoming part of a community
Your August Challenge
Before the month ends, create your own highlight reel.
Write it down. Put it on your fridge. Save it in your phone. Add to it throughout the month.
Before you compare yourself to someone else's highlight reel, celebrate your own!
Check out these events happening in Durham this month:
-
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Toronto, ON
FREE (parade viewing along Lakeshore Blvd)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tue, Aug 4: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sat, Aug 15: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tue, Aug 18: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Various participating businesses, Downtown Whitby (exact meeting location provided to ticket holders prior to the tour)
$50
-
-
-
-
9:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Blessed Kutz Whitby Barbershop, 1645 Dundas Street East, Whitby, ON
$22.63
-
-
-
written by Nickisha RASHID