This is something I’ve always talked about during my whole career, it’s been interesting to...
It’s been a while since my last article, but I have some thoughts on a recurring theme that continues to surface among my clients and on social media platforms.
We're bombarded with success stories boasting incredible achievements like, "How social ads got me 100k worth of sales" or "I hit 1 million in just 6 months." Don’t get me wrong; these stories are undeniably inspiring and deserve to be shared. However, it’s crucial not to fall into the trap of comparing your journey to someone else’s.
Every business operates within its own unique ecosystem, influenced by multiple factors including industry, target market, pricing strategy, capacity, and overarching goals. It’s like comparing apples with oranges; both fruits, yet distinctly different in taste, texture, and sometimes size! Similarly, while two businesses may both achieve a sales milestone, the path to reach that point can be significantly different.
Consider this: achieving 100k in sales might seem like a breeze for a car dealership or a high-end art gallery selling pieces worth tens of thousands of pounds. However, for a business selling products with a much lower price point, say £7, reaching that same milestone entails a significantly longer and possibly more difficult journey.
While lofty aspirations are absolutely something to aim for, but we need to also foster a sense of realism. Dream big, absolutely, but anchor those dreams with an understanding of your business’s unique circumstances. Setting unrealistic expectations based on comparisons with dissimilar ventures can lead to frustration, disillusionment, and ultimately, stagnation.
Instead of fixating on arbitrary benchmarks set by others, focus on your own growth trajectory. Define your objectives, chart your course, and celebrate the milestones, no matter how small they may seem in comparison. Remember, success is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it’s as diverse and multifaceted as the businesses striving to achieve it.
So, the next time you find yourself scrolling through social media, awestruck by someone else’s seemingly effortless success, pause, and remind yourself: you’re on your own unique journey. Embrace the challenges, learn from the setbacks, and revel in the victories, however modest they may appear.
After all, comparing apples with oranges does little justice to each fruit, just as comparing your business to another does little justice to its individuality and potential.
