My breakthrough was when my husband came into my sewing room and told me that he had really noticed how much straighter and more square my quilts had become. It made me realize that all the little tips that I was incorporating into my cutting/sewing/piecing were paying off. (Most of which I learned here!)
And, you're right...I only compare myself to what I've done in the past, not to what others do. I admire what others do and I will try to emulate it if I like a technique, but I don't kick myself if I'm not as good as someone else. I just try again.
Watson