In today’s digital age, professional networking platforms like LinkedIn have become indispensable tools for career growth, personal branding, and industry connections. What started as a platform to showcase expertise and build professional networks has slowly transformed into a stage where success, achievements, and promotions are displayed in bright lights.
Scroll through your LinkedIn feed, and you’ll see one success story after another—certifications earned, promotions celebrated, new ventures launched, or major career milestones unlocked. For many, these posts are sources of inspiration. But for others, they silently breed a constant sense of inadequacy.
The Comparison Trap
As a psychologist working with professionals across industries, I’ve observed a troubling trend: individuals feeling invisible, stuck, or left behind as they scroll through the polished highlights of others’ careers.
"Every time I see someone announce a new promotion or certification, I feel like I’m falling further behind," shares an anonymous mid-level marketing executive.
"It feels like everyone around me is growing faster, achieving more, and I’m just… stagnant."
Even those who are content with their career growth feel the sting of comparison. The underlying issue is not actual performance but the perception of not measuring up.
Psychologically, this is explained by Social Comparison Theory, which suggests that humans have a natural tendency to evaluate their own worth by comparing themselves to others. On a platform like LinkedIn, where only the highlights are shared and struggles remain hidden, this comparison becomes one-sided and unrealistic.
The Myth of Continuous Upgradation
Adding to the pressure is the pervasive belief that professional success is a race where constant skill upgradation, certifications, and promotions are the only way forward. This has led to a surge in low-value “skill certifications” offered by dubious organizations—quick courses promising instant expertise with little real substance.
Students and young professionals, especially, fall prey to these shortcuts, believing that accumulating certificates will automatically lead to success. However, true growth, mastery, and competence take time, practice, and deep learning.
It’s OK to Grow at Your Own Pace
The most important message I want to share as a psychologist is simple: There is no standard timeline for growth.
Each person’s career journey is unique, just as every individual’s life circumstances and challenges are different. Think of it this way—our life is like a question paper, where each person gets different questions. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Success isn’t a uniform checklist of achievements; it is a deeply personal process of learning, growth, and resilience. Rather than chasing the illusion of constant growth, it’s far healthier to focus on your own progress. Celebrate small wins. Take time to develop meaningful skills. Allow yourself periods of rest, reflection, and deliberate practice. Slow, steady growth is often more sustainable than racing ahead without direction.
Breaking Free from the Comparison Cycle
Here are some practical psychological tips I recommend for professionals feeling overwhelmed by LinkedIn and competitive pressure: First of all, limit Passive Scrolling and be mindful of the time spent scrolling through others’ updates. Follow profiles that inspire, not those that make you feel inadequate. Secondly, curate your feed i.e. Choose to follow people and pages that offer real learning and growth, not just achievement announcements. Lastly, to add on practice self-compassion. Remind yourself regularly that your worth is not measured by certificates or promotions but by your effort, learning, and personal values. Focus on small, realistic goals that align with your growth trajectory, rather than chasing what others seem to have accomplished.
Take digital detox breaks. Reconnect with the joy of learning and working without the need for constant validation.
Conclusion: Redefining Success in the Digital Age
LinkedIn and similar platforms have the potential to connect us, inspire us, and open new opportunities. But they should not be the yardstick by which we measure our self-worth.
True professional growth is not about competing with others—it is about understanding your unique strengths, challenges, and pace. Every meaningful achievement takes time, effort, and patience. There are no shortcuts, and that’s perfectly fine.
Stop comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. Your growth is yours alone. And that, in itself, is a success worth celebrating.
About the Author
Aparna Verma (Counselling Psychologist) Co-founder of Manovriti, an initiative dedicated to mental health awareness and support. With expertise in mental health, neurodiversity and workplace wellbeing. Aparna is dedicated to promoting holistic mental health strategies in professional and personal settings. Connect with Aparna on LinkedIn:( www.linkedin.com/in/aparna1302) or Instagram (@therapyatmanovriti) and (@aparna_therapy).