15/04/2026
Most of us have heard it…“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
I’m not so sure.
Comparison is human.
It’s how we’ve learned to belong, to measure, to understand where we stand.
The real question is: what are you comparing yourself to?
Olympic silver medallists often look less happy than bronze medallists.
Not because of the result but because of the reference point.
Silvers reference point is to gold.
Bronze reference point is to fourth.
Same moment.
Different experience.
I’ve felt this myself.
When I returned to work after a tough period, I was comparing myself to a past version of me performing at my peak in senior management roles.
From that lens, I wasn’t measuring up.
When I shifted the reference point (12 months prior I was struggling to get out of bed) everything changed.
More ease. More openness. Better performance.
Nothing external changed.
But my way of being did.
In a world of constant comparison (thanks, social media), this matters more than ever.
So a question:
Is there a comparison you’re making that isn’t serving you?
And what might change if you shifted the reference point?
If this resonates, I’m always open to a conversation.
Full Article on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-bronze-medalists-happier-than-silver-what-means-richard-lyle-xy1rc
---------------------------------------------
Wheelbeing brings together my two passions: cycling and wellbeing. Based on Victoria’s Surf Coast, I blend movement, nature, and ontological coaching to create space for meaningful change - supporting people to slow down, see differently, and live consciously in life and at work.