Episode 14: Creating Without Comparison
In this episode, Rick Nelson explores one of the biggest creative struggles of our time — comparison.
That quiet, creeping voice that shows up when you scroll through social media and start wondering if you’re falling behind. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, designer, or anyone trying to live creatively in a loud world, this episode is a gentle reset — a reminder that creativity isn’t a competition.
Rick shares how to tune out the noise, reconnect with your rhythm, and build work that feels like you — not like everyone else.
In This Episode You’ll Learn
The Trap of Comparison
Why comparison disguises itself as motivation — and how it actually steals your focus and joy.Reconnecting with Your Rhythm
How to rediscover your natural creative pace and stop matching someone else’s timeline.Turning Comparison into Curiosity
A mindset shift that transforms jealousy into inspiration and learning.Simple Habits to Stay Grounded
Five small, powerful practices to keep your creativity healthy in a world of constant scrolling.A Personal Story from Rick’s Photography Journey
How creating quiet, personal projects helped him rediscover his voice and joy in photography.The Freedom of Authentic Work
Why your truest, most resonant work happens when you stop performing — and start expressing.
Key Takeaway
“The moment comparison becomes louder than curiosity — that’s when creativity starts to fade.” — Rick Nelson
Creativity doesn’t need to compete. There’s no leaderboard.
There’s only your rhythm — your light — your story.
Things To Try This Week
Create before you scroll.
Spend ten quiet minutes making something before opening your feeds.Start a “For My Eyes Only” folder.
Keep your unpolished work — your experiments and half-finished ideas — just for you.Set process goals.
Focus on creating one honest piece this week, not on how it performs.Take a digital sabbath.
Go a day without checking metrics or feeds. Let your creative mind breathe.Protect your small projects.
Not everything needs to be shared. Keep some art intimate — just between you and your craft.
Mentioned in This Episode
Rick’s “Quiet Projects” ritual — a weekly creative reset that rebuilt his curiosity and joy.
The mindset of “creative rhythm” — working at your own pace without apology.
Turning comparison into curiosity — the small shift that changes everything.
Connect with Rick Nelson
Website: ricknelson.photography
Instagram: @carolinahawkeye
YouTube: RickNelsonPhoto
Podcast: The Photog Files on Apple Podcasts
