Why You Feel Second Best: Comparison, Pedestaling others, Second Rate Beliefs & Reclaiming Your Power

In this episode Maddison explores the subconscious wound of feeling second best; a pattern that often shows up as comparison, pedestalising others, and believing you never quite get what you truly want. She unpacks how this belief forms in childhood, how it quietly shapes decisions and self-perception in adulthood, and why awareness alone isn’t enough to shift it. This conversation invites you to reclaim your power, step out of comparison, and return to your own unique path.

What We Cover:

• The “second best” wound often appears as comparison, pedestalizing others, or feeling like you never fully get what you want.

• Many subconscious beliefs form in childhood when the brain is highly suggestible and interpreting the world in black-and-white terms.

• Subtle experiences—like sibling dynamics, friendships, or school comparisons—can reinforce the belief of being “less than.”

• This pattern can influence everyday choices, causing you to settle for the “second option” instead of what you truly desire.

• When the subconscious believes you can’t win, it can lead to self-sabotage, staying small, and avoiding visibility or risk.

• Awareness is the first step, but deeper subconscious and nervous system work helps create lasting change.

• Comparison is a natural psychological process, but when filtered through “I’m not enough,” it becomes distorted.

• Reclaiming your power means taking people off the pedestal—not by diminishing them, but by recognizing everyone is on their own path.

• You are not in the same race as anyone else; your journey is entirely unique.

• A powerful shift begins by asking: Is the story I’m telling myself supporting the person I want to become?

Additional Resources:

1. Grounded Membership
2. 1:1 Hypnotherapy + Subconscious Coaching Containers
3. The Nervous System Reset Kit

Connect with Maddison at Bloomin Within:

• Instagram: @bloominwithin_ + @seedyoursubconscious_

• TikTok: @bloominwithin_

• Website: www.bloominwithin.com.au

• Podcast: Seed Your Subconscious

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Mental Health Support Services:

• Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14 (www.lifeline.org.au)

• USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988 (988lifeline.org)

• UK: Samaritans – 116 123 (www.samaritans.org)

• Canada: Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 (www.talksuicide.ca)

• International: Find a local helpline at www.findahelpline.com