NXT ERA rant on comparison

Comparing your family to others—whether they homeschool or not—isn’t just unproductive; it’s downright toxic. It affects your progress, your health, and your family’s success. In today’s world, where social media constantly showcases curated highlight reels of others’ lives, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. But remember, people only show what they want you to see—there’s no way to know the full story behind the scenes.

We’ve spoken to countless homeschooling families, and the main reason they choose this path is not just love for their children but the desire to control what their kids experience. That’s the beauty of homeschooling! So, stop worrying about how other families are doing—focus on your journey. Yes, there’s always room for growth, but sitting in guilt and shame is a surefire way to drain yourself mentally and physically. Comparison breeds doubt, both in your past decisions and your future ones.

The old saying “comparison is the thief of joy” hits hard because it’s true. Yet, in the chaos of daily life, it’s easy to forget this wisdom. So, here’s our advice: Own your experience! When you catch yourself comparing your family to others—and you will—shift your mindset. At NXT ERA, we don’t ask, “Why am I not doing as well?” We ask, “How can I get better?”

Most comparisons arise in areas where you feel a lack. If you were truly confident in your direction, you wouldn’t have time to worry about whether another family is doing it better. As we said, comparison leads to a guilt-ridden, shame-filled mindset that clouds your ability to tackle problems. When you feel these thoughts creeping in, don’t get upset with yourself. You’re human! Instead, pinpoint exactly where the comparison stems from and how you can improve.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you’re in control. If you’re envying another family’s dedication to a healthy, active lifestyle, use that as fuel to improve. Identify where you feel you’re lacking—like time or consistency—and then formulate a plan. Maybe that means waking up an hour earlier to squeeze in a family workout. Or, it could be meal prepping to save time and energy while ensuring your family’s nutrition is on point. Simple adjustments can yield big changes.

Every time you face limiting beliefs, reframe them into opportunities for growth. Here at NXT ERA, we believe everything is a skill. If you’re not great at something now, it doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future. By making small changes—adding or subtracting actions—you can boost your skills dramatically.

Confidence comes from aligning your actions with your values. When you do that, you won’t feel the need to compare yourself to others. Even if another family is further along in their journey, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your daily actions will lead to the results you want. And all you need is a bit of patience to let them unfold.