Social Comparison

Comparing yourself to teammates, rivals, or even highlight reels on social media is nearly impossible to avoid. But when social comparison takes over, it can erode confidence, fuel anxiety, and impact mental health.

In this episode, Coach Nassim explores the psychology of social comparison, from Leon Festinger’s classic theory to modern research on how constant upward comparison undermines motivation and joy in sport. You’ll hear real-world examples of how comparison shows up in athletes’ lives, why it can be so damaging, and—most importantly—how to shift toward self-reference as the true measure of growth.

This episode offers practical strategies for athletes to track their own progress, tools for coaches to create growth-centered cultures, and guidance for parents to help their athletes build confidence without falling into the comparison trap.

Whether you’re a young athlete, a coach, or a parent, this conversation will help you reframe comparison and focus on what really matters: becoming stronger, day by day, against your own best self.