How much is enough?
This a question that is difficult to answer. We do not truly know exactly how much is the right amount of effort for any of our goals.
We either over-perform or under-perform. Very rarely is the amount of work we put in just right. The problem starts when we fall below expectations and start thinking of ourselves as inadequate. For other tasks we find ourselves doing almost too well, too effortless and verging on being way more than enough for the job. Even when you are too good at what you do, you feel inadequate because you feel you deserve something more challenging. Once faced with the challenge and the effort it demands, if we under-perform the same feeling of inadequacy sets in.
It’s a vicious circle, the pursuit of feeling like you are enough. To want better things you need to be dissatisfied and that is usually a good thing because it pushes you to test your limits and build your skills. But the road is not often ready and many fail in their attempts. This inevitable faltering in your chase for better things can make emotions of not being good enough set in. Sometimes this feeling is so strong you give up on your dream.
This is the time to think objectively. If you are falling short, do you legitimately have it in you to bridge the gap by working harder? If you do, these feelings of inadequacy are merely temporary.
But if you continue to feel bad about yourself, constantly beating yourself up at your shortcomings then perhaps it is time to pick a new goal, something more suited to your strengths, something that empowers you and fills you with confidence. Invest your time in people and work that makes you feel or has the potential to make you feel like you are enough.
If you’ve tried long enough and nothing is changing, let it go and choose something for which you will be enough.
If you are feeling low on confidence this article will help : What ifs…and Me
Thank you for reading! 🙂
The Jovial Writer 