The Comparison Trap: Why Social Media Makes Us Feel Behind (and How to Break Free)

Comparison is everywhere—especially for real estate moms scrolling social media while juggling business, family, and life. In this episode, Shelley opens up about the quiet pressure we feel to “keep up,” the mental toll comparison takes, and why social media often leaves us feeling like we’re never doing enough.

You’ll hear why comparison is so powerful in today’s digital world, how perception often distorts reality, and a deeply personal story that reframes what success actually looks like. Shelley also shares encouragement rooted in faith, along with practical, realistic ways to step out of the comparison cycle and reclaim joy, confidence, and clarity in both business and motherhood.

If you’ve ever closed Instagram feeling defeated—even though you’re working hard—this episode is for you.

• Why comparison is one of the most damaging struggles for real estate moms

• How social media quietly fuels feelings of inadequacy and burnout

• Why we were never meant to consume endless highlight reels

• The difference between perception and reality online

• A powerful story from a real estate conference that changed how Shelley views success

• Why your struggles and story are actually your greatest strengths

• How faith and identity play a role in breaking free from comparison

• Creating a supportive circle where you can be fully seen and known

• Using gratitude to shift focus from what you lack to what you already have

• Setting healthy boundaries around social media use

• Recognizing when digital overload is impacting your mental health

• Trying intentional digital detoxes to reset your mindset

Your business was never meant to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need someone else’s timeline, brand, or blueprint to be successful. Your story, your pace, and your journey are uniquely yours—and they are exactly what your clients need.

You’re not behind. You’re growing. You’re becoming.

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In this episode, we’re diving into the unexpected marketing gold we can all steal from Joanna Gaines — and how these simple concepts can transform the way you show up in your real estate business. From crafting aspirational content to becoming a true community builder, to leveraging authenticity and storytelling that actually converts…we’re breaking down the marketing strategies social media loves and clients respond to.

Whether you’re building out your marketing calendar, tightening up your business systems, or just trying to make a business plan that doesn’t feel overwhelming, this episode will give you clear, doable takeaways you can start using today.

We’ll cover:

• Why aspirational marketing works — and how to use it in reels, listing marketing, and neighborhood spotlights

• How pouring into your town builds trust, visibility, and referral power

• The reason authenticity wins (and why your audience craves the real you)

• How storytelling makes your social media marketing unforgettable

• Ways to incorporate these ideas into your marketing plan, CRM, follow-up systems, and weekly workflow

• Simple content and email marketing templates you can plug into your strategy right now

Perfect for agents who want practical marketing ideas, better business strategies, and systems that let you grow without burning out.

If you’re ready for real estate marketing that feels aligned, magnetic, and actually sustainable…this episode is your new best friend.

Also, here are the great influencers, agents and friends who I talk about in this episode! I hope you enjoy their content as much as I do!

Kathryn McInturff - Realtor in Spokane, Washington

@mcinturffandco

Katie Day - agent in Houston Texas

Houston Unlocked Page

Katie's Main Page

Kyle Whissel - agent in San Diego, California

Everything East County Page

Kyle's Main Page

Shannon McKinstrie - social media coach in Carey, North Carolina

Shannons Instagram

Jeremiah Kobelka and Pip Haxby- Thompson - JFK Living in Haddon Twp, NJ

Listing Video sample

JFK Living main page

I hope these tips help, friend!!

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If you spend hours crafting a vision for your real estate business each year…but your home? It’s just sort of winging it? This episode is exactly what your home needs.

Today, we’re walking through a simple, life-giving practice I do every January: creating a home vision for the year. Not goals that add pressure — but a thoughtful look at what’s working, what’s not, and what our families actually need in this season.

You’ll learn how to: • Identify your biggest household pain points • Build systems that lower stress instead of adding to it • Simplify routines and reduce overwhelm • Support your kids’ unique strengths and needs • Protect time, energy, and peace in a busy real estate schedule • Create rhythms that help your home run smoothly all year long

Plus, I’m sharing a personal story about how our family’s weekly Sabbath became one of the most transformative rhythms we’ve ever added — and how you can create your own version that fits your household.

Whether your home feels one sock pile away from chaos or you’re craving a more grounded rhythm, this episode will help you step into the new year with intention, clarity, and a simple plan that actually supports you.

✨ Download the Free Printable Journal Prompts Grab the guided prompts I walk through in this episode so you can map out your own home vision. 👉 Get them here: Download your Home Vision Journal

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It's your weekly dose of inspiration for business and home, packed with the latest episodes, helpful links, and life-giving resources for real estate moms.

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