#11. Mountain Dew Moments: 4 Ways to Stop Comparing and Rediscover Joy
Ever had a moment where your effort suddenly looked small next to someone else’s sparkle — especially during the holidays?
In this episode of the TenX Teaching Podcast, I share a real-life “Mountain Dew Moment” that caught me completely off guard and sent me straight into the comparison trap. What started as a simple, thoughtful gesture quickly turned into self-doubt — not because it lacked meaning, but because it didn’t look as impressive as everything around it.
December has a way of amplifying comparison for teachers.
Everything feels shinier.
Everyone else seems more organized.
And before we know it, we’re measuring our worth by bows, wrapping paper, and how our effort looks instead of what it means. This episode is for teachers navigating comparison, imposter syndrome, holiday stress, and burnout — especially if you’ve been feeling emotionally stretched thin or questioning whether what you’re doing is “enough.”
In this episode, you’ll learn 4 mindset shifts to help you stop comparing and rediscover joy:
1. Reframe “Small” as Meaningful Not everything that matters looks impressive. This week, identify one quiet effort — in your classroom or at home — that truly mattered, even if no one applauded it.
2. Interrupt the Comparison Loop Comparison never asks if something is meaningful — only if it’s impressive. Learn how to notice when comparison creeps in and gently stop it before it steals your peace.
3. Practice Gratitude Without Shrinking Yourself You can admire other people’s talents and efforts without minimizing your own. Gratitude doesn’t require self-erasure.
4. Reclaim Childlike Confidence Remember the confidence we had before comparison took over? This episode explores how to reconnect with that steady, joyful sense of “I was great.” “Comparison never asks if something is meaningful — only if it’s impressive.”
Take This With You This Week Choose one moment — in your classroom or at home — where you stop comparing and simply say: “This is enough.”
Your light isn’t small. It isn’t behind. And it’s not measured by bow size.
🎧 Listen now to rediscover joy, quiet self-doubt, and reconnect with the steady, intentional work you’re already doing as a teacher.
If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with a fellow teacher who needs the reminder that their effort already matters.
Credits:
"Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock", is adapted from "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" by Music for Creators, used under CC BY 4.0. "Catchy Positive Sports Pop Rock" is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by TenXTeaching.
