When It’s Taking Longer Than Everyone Else…

by | Jan 19, 2026

When It's Taking Longer Than Everyone Else… Written by MaryBeth Hyland

How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others When Your Progress Feels Slower

Ever had the experience where something was seemingly simple for those around you, but for you it felt like it was taking for-ev-er??

That’s what I’ve been experiencing lately with our mustang, Norby. While all the other horses in his herd are getting their feet trimmed with (relative) ease and grace, he’s still having immense difficulty.

It feels like it’s become a part-time job to work with an incredibly skilled trainer and Ferrier to get him comfortable just being around the tools.

There are moments of great improvement. And then moments that look like a major backslide.

The stories of “will this ever work out?” Bubble up and feel like shit.

Our Ferrier let us know that in 20 years of doing this work, Norby was the 2nd most challenging horse he’s ever tried to trim.

Not the prize I’m hoping for…

But then he said, “Norby is giving us this amazing opportunity to all learn and grow and deal with our own shit. If it were easy, none of us would get to become better. And that’s pretty cool.”

He was right.

My victim mindset had taken over and the fear that “he’s never going to get better” was so far from the facts of what was actually happening.

Because here’s the deal, my friend, and this deal changed my life forever.

With everything in life, there are FACTS and STORIES.

FACTS are non-negotiable truths like….

  • Norby has had 6 sessions
  • He has lifted his legs at some point, each time
  • It’s been a minimum of 2 hours each session

STORIES are the interpretation of what’s going on around those facts like…

  • This is taking so much longer than anticipated
  • I don’t know if it’s ever going to work out
  • I’m afraid we’re going to leave Arizona before he’s healed this fear within him and that would really suck

Now, here’s the life-changing part… you get to CHOOSE the STORIES that serve you, instead of choosing the ones that don’t.

I can still be present with all the facts and choose the STORY that…

  • It’s taking the exact amount of time that he needs, and we’re not in a rush
  • We’re so fortunate and grateful to have access to a values-aligned Ferrier
  • I’m so proud of his moments of progress and will keep finding them and focusing on that truth.
  • Ollie (our other horse) has completely healed his fear of having his feet done and is in the best place he’s ever been. Norby will follow suit.

Do you feel that energetic shift? Actually feeling like good things are happening instead of a mindset that it’s not happening fast enough?

Us humans, we do that to ourselves A LOT.

?You look at social media, and think “Everyone around me has such a better life. Why can’t I be further along?”

?You see people around you getting accolades and think, “I work so hard and am never recognized. What makes them so much more worthy than me?”

?You reflect at your goals for the year and wonder, “Is it even possible for me to make this habit stick? Why is it so much easier for other people to succeed?”

In these cases, it’s the perfect time to separate the FACTS from the STORIES and then replace the stories that aren’t serving you with ones that are!

Like…

☺️“It’s so inspiring to see what my friends are making happen! They’re showing me that it’s possible for me too.” 

? “I’m going to actively apply to what I want to be recognized for. And while I’m at it, I’m going to recognize myself with greater intention. I can do that now!”

? “I’m getting so much information on what works for me and what doesn’t. I am figuring out what combination works for me to make my habits stick. It’s fun to be on that journey!”

Talk about taking your power back! You can literally choose to change the script so that you’re empowered to take positive action instead of being stuck in old patterns of judgment and victimhood.

You feel me?

This has easily been one of the most effective tools in my personal wellbeing toolkit that has been one of the greatest life-changers. Because no one knows how loud it is in your mind but you. So you get to change that.

Looking for an extra boost?

Book an Energy Session with James. His new certification in the Belief Code enables him to release limiting belief patterns and negative emotions, rewire supportive beliefs, and create space for more clarity, calm, and alignment—no overthinking required.

I had a session with him the day after I felt so badly about Norby, and within moments, that energy shifted into possibility and empowerment. It honestly feels like the best “short cut” I’ve ever had access to for changing deep-rooted self-hate patterns without years of therapy.

Curious about what it could do for you?

Book an Energy Session with James Here

You got this, my friend. Keep choosing what serves you!


P.S.

Check out what Chenire had to say about her energy session with James: “James’s Energy Healing Session was spot on! The emotions that were cleared gave me a new awareness, so when they try to return, I’m no longer triggered—and I can make a different choice.”

— Chenire C., Baltimore

Book an Energy Session with James Here

Create Your Values-Driven Life

Our Newsletter, Create Your Values Driven Life, features unique ideas, common-sense reminders + inspiration to help you know and live your values.

I Was Setting Boundaries All Wrong. Written by James Hyland

I Was Setting Boundaries All Wrong

How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Pushing Back How do you set a boundary with someone who is six times bigger than you, significantly stronger than you, and has absolutely no problem pushing...

Your Boundaries Start with This. Written by MaryBeth Hyland

Your Boundaries Start with This

How to Set Healthy Boundaries With Yourself There is a common misconception about boundaries: that they are mostly about what you say to other people. What you will tolerate. What you will not...

What are you still carrying? Written by James Hyland

What Are You Still Carrying?

How to Release Stress and Tension From Your Body With Tai Chi You can carry something for so long that you stop noticing how heavy it has become. The stress starts to feel normal, the tension...

Lion's Gate Portal is Calling. Written by MaryBeth Hyland

Lion’s Gate Portal is Calling

The Lion’s Gate Portal Is Here 🦁💫 There are certain moments in the year that invite you to pay closer attention. 🧲To what you’re calling in. 💗To what you’ve outgrown.👣To the version of yourself that...

When Going Viral Hurts. Written by MaryBeth Hyland

When Going Viral Hurts

What It's Really Like to Go Viral on Social Media More than five years of human life have now been spent watching James pull a dead mouse out of my shoe.🤯 That sentence 👆 feels insane to write. But...

What Are You Ready to Release? Written by James Hyland

What Are You Ready to Release?

How to Release Stored Emotions From Your Body Have you ever noticed that your body reacts to something before your mind understands what is happening? Your shoulders tense. Your stomach tightens....

Shift from scarcity into abundance. Written by MaryBeth Hyland

Shift From Scarcity Into Abundance

How to Shift from a Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset There are moments when life seems to show you exactly what you need to see. During a recent livestream meditation with Ollie and Norby,...

Your Body Whispers First. Written by James Hyland

Your Body Whispers First

What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You? How to Listen Before Pain Gets Worse Your body speaks in whispers before it has to scream. That is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my own healing...

To cry or be calm. Written by James Hyland

To Cry or Be Calm

How to Set Your Energy Each Morning for a Calmer, More Intentional Day Many years ago, I learned a life lesson that changed my perspective forever. It’s one that’s proven valuable in so many...