Overcoming Life’s Valleys: How to Stop Comparing Yourself and Keep Moving Forward
Overcoming life’s valleys can feel impossible some days. I am not sure if this feeling is unique to artists, but there are times when, as both an artist and a human being, I feel completely stuck as if I am standing in a deep valley surrounded by tall immovable mountains of other people’s success. It feels as though those mountains are shouting, “Look how far ahead we are!” Scrolling through social media and seeing everyone’s “highlight reel” often leads me to ask, “Where did I go wrong?”
Why Comparison Is Dangerous
The first step to climbing out of a valley is to stop comparing ourselves to others. Comparison creates unrealistic standards that rob us of joy and peace. Each person is born with unique gifts, and your journey will never look like someone else’s path. When comparison creeps in, I notice my self-talk spiraling almost immediately.
As a photographer, I sometimes catch myself looking at other photographers’ work and thinking, “Maybe I do not have the eye for this. Maybe I am not as talented.” That inner dialogue can become destructive quickly and it can make me want to stop creating altogether.
Shifting Your Perspective
The most important thing is to shift perspective. Valleys, pain, setbacks, disappointments, are only temporary if you allow them to be. When I hit a slump, I cling to a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill: “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
That single line is a lifeline. If I face a setback in photography, or in life, I remind myself not to “set up camp in hell.” Keep walking. Keep moving. Keep creating, even if it is just one small step a day. Sometimes it is as simple as editing one photo, writing down one new idea, or even just cleaning my camera gear.
Finding Hope in the Seasons
The photos in this article serve as a powerful reminder of this truth. It shows a valley in the shadow of tall mountains. During winter, the sun barely rises high enough to clear those peaks. The valley stays cold and dark, but it is just a season. Eventually, the light returns. Life’s seasons of difficulty also pass if we keep moving forward and stay patient with the process.
Faith as a Source of Strength
My faith is another source of strength. Isaiah 40:4 says:
“Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.”
Trusting in a higher power reassures me that I am not alone. The Creator of the universe is with me, guiding me through the valley and toward the light on the other side.
Learning from Setbacks
I also try to reframe my setbacks. Instead of focusing on, “Why me?” or, “Why am I so stupid?” I ask, “What can I learn from this? What is God trying to teach me here?” These moments can shape me, strengthen me, and even humble me.
Staying Humble in Success
I will be honest, I struggle with humility. When I accomplish something great, I often become proud, thinking I achieved success entirely by my own cleverness. But just as valleys remind me of my struggles, the mountains I climb remind me to pause and be grateful. Every win, every moment on the “mountaintop,” is a gift.
Failures and valleys are what bring perspective — they remind me that the successes, opportunities, and even the “luck” I experience were never fully my doing. They were given to me, supported by my family, my community, and by God. Remembering this helps me honour every success with gratitude and stay grounded as I keep moving forward.
Keep Moving Forward
So next time you find yourself in life’s valley, do not stop moving. Do not wait for the season to change; take action. Make one phone call, take one photo, write one line, paint one corner of your canvas. Even the smallest step forward is progress.
Keep walking, keep creating, and trust that the sun will shine again — because it always does.
If you are interested in learning more about my work, I invite you to explore my gallery here. And don’t forget to connect with me via Instagram.
