In a recent LinkedIn post, Christine Carrillo discusses the critical importance of distinguishing between personal dreams and external goals, particularly in the face of social media-driven comparison. Carrillo, a business leader and educator, highlights how the constant visibility of others’ achievements can lead individuals astray, chasing ambitions that aren’t truly their own.
Carrillo begins by asserting a firm stance on aspiration: “If it’s not your dream, Stop calling it a goal.” This direct statement sets the stage for an exploration of authenticity in goal-setting. She elaborates on the potential pitfalls of this common tendency:
“But if you’re focused on what everyone else is doing, you’ll lose sight of your own wins. Someone else will always seem more successful.”
The post delves into the psychological impact of this relentless comparison, warning of the dangers of jealousy spiraling out of control. According to Carrillo, this can lead to burnout from pursuing objectives that lack genuine personal meaning. She advocates for a period of self-reflection to identify the root causes of feeling behind.
Identifying the Source of Comparison
Carrillo prompts readers to pinpoint the specific triggers that initiate feelings of inadequacy. She suggests asking, “What made you feel like you’re behind?” followed by an investigation into whether this feeling stems from observing others scaling faster or hitting significant milestones. This diagnostic approach is crucial for understanding the external pressures influencing one’s perception of progress.
The Crucial Question: “Do I Actually Want That?”
Following the identification of comparison triggers, Carrillo poses a pivotal question: “Do I actually want that?” This question encourages a deep dive into the genuine desire behind perceived goals. She further refines this inquiry by asking whether the aspiration has been a long-held wish and if it would retain its importance if external validation were removed. This thought experiment aims to separate authentic ambition from the allure of perceived success.
“Is it something you’ve wanted for a long time? If you stepped away, would it still feel important?”
Two Paths to Winning
Carrillo outlines two clear outcomes following this introspection, framing both as victories. The first path involves recognizing a genuine desire for what someone else appears to have. In this scenario, Carrillo advises, “Go for it.” The second path emerges when the realization dawns that the perceived goal is not a personal dream. For those on this path, the advice is to “Put your head down and work on your path.” In both instances, the emphasis is on agency and self-determination.
“Either way, you win.”
The core message, as articulated by Carrillo, is that defining success on one’s own terms is the key to maintaining focus and resilience. By establishing a personal definition of success, individuals can concentrate on their unique journey, effectively tuning out the noise of external benchmarks.
Staying Focused Amidst Comparison
Carrillo concludes by posing a question to her audience, inviting engagement on strategies for staying on course when the urge to compare arises. This interactive element underscores her commitment to fostering a community of growth and self-awareness. The underlying principle is that true achievement stems not from outpacing others, but from fulfilling one’s own potential and pursuing one’s own definition of success.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Christine Carrillo on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 30, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →