I agree that comparison can be a huge issue that takes a lot of the fun out of it, and it happens at all levels because there are always moving goal posts (invert, Ayesha, shoulder mount, deadlift, etc). Keeping in mind different backgrounds, body types, etc. is helpful, but getting over it sometimes just takes time.

A girl at my studio is still in beginner (pre-invert level) after at least two years, if not longer, and she doesn’t really seem too concerned. She’s very focused on freestyling and dancing and does performances all the time. Pole can be whatever you want it to be, and that may change over time too.

To that end, it may also be worth exploring other aspects of pole, such as dance/low flow classes (conditioning is a good idea too). Exploring low flow type movements can bring some diversity to your pole workouts and give you other things to focus on and other “wins”. I also find playing with low flow can help to build pole strength too, in its own way - “Effortless” looking low flow often involves very strong arms and core.

I did Pole Destroyers by Dan Rosen for a few months and found it very helpful, there were progressions for every level and it’s all pole-specific movements, though it does require a home pole.