Am I Good Enough? Your path to Self-Acceptance
You know the one - that nagging voice in your head that we all have. That voice that tells us we're not smart enough, not attractive enough, not successful enough.
The voice that constantly asks, am I good enough?
We all have it, but why? Why do we continually ask ourselves this question?
Let's explore why we feel this way, how it affects us, and what we can do to overcome it.
Often, the roots of this question can be traced back to our childhood. Our experiences growing up, the opinions of others, and the expectations placed on us. These can all contribute to feelings of inadequacy.
Maybe we may have been told we weren't good enough or that we needed to be better, leading us to internalise those messages.
We may also have at times felt pressure to live up to others' expectations, maybe from our family or friends. This pressure can lead us to constantly question our worth and whether we're measuring up.
Comparing ourselves to others also plays a significant role in our self-doubt. We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded with images and messages that tell us:
● what we should look like,
● how successful we should be, and
● how we should live our lives.
Social media amplifies these messages, making it all too easy to compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate.
It's important to remember that comparing ourselves to others is a trap. It is impossible to fully understand another person's journey, challenges, and struggles. It's equally impossible to understand when they are wearing their 'social media mask', hiding what may be truly happening in their world, and letting us see it as perfect. Instead, we should focus on our own life journey and celebrate our unique qualities and what we have achieved for ourselves.
Last, but certainly not least, the impact of our inner critic cannot be understated. I often call this voice my 'negativity committee', which likes to hold meetings and decide when to play negative thought loops in my mind. It's always a great feeling when I recognise they are doing this, and put a stop to their meeting plans as quickly as possible ;)
For so many, this voice in our head is often harsh and unforgiving, always telling us where we fall short. It's important to recognise that this voice is a product of our experiences and thought patterns. Learning to identify when this voice is taking over and then questioning its validity can allow us to let go of those negative thoughts and start to reframe our self-talk with kinder, more positive messages.
Acceptance is crucial in overcoming feelings of inadequacy. This means acknowledging and embracing ourselves for who we are, faults and all. It means recognising that we are not perfect, but we are perfectly imperfect. It also means understanding that we don't need to be a certain way or achieve a certain level of success to be worthy. By accepting ourselves, we can start to shift our focus from the negative to the positive, and start to see our strengths and potential.
One thing to remember is that self-acceptance is not a destination but a journey, and it takes practice and effort to grow it. It's important to be patient and kind to ourselves as we navigate the journey.
Keep using the quote below by Michelle Obama as your new mantra daily: "Am I good enough? YES I am!'
Naomi Dyer is a Bestselling Author, International Speaker, Internationally Certified Results Coach, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor. She's a beacon of resilience and empowerment, whose journey through adversity inspires audiences worldwide.
If you would like to learn more, see her story, or book her to speak at your event visit www.naomidyer.com.au
