What should I do when I feel like I'm not good enough?

Feeling like you're not good enough is a painful experience that many people face, often stemming from perfectionist tendencies, past experiences, or internalized critical messages. These feelings can be overwhelming, but they don't reflect your true worth or potential, and there are concrete steps you can take to address them. Recognize that feelings of inadequacy are often based on unrealistic standards or comparisons rather than objective reality. The voice telling you that you're not good enough is usually much harsher than the standards you would apply to others, and it often reflects learned patterns rather than accurate assessments. Challenge the specific thoughts and beliefs that fuel feelings of inadequacy by examining the evidence for and against them. Ask yourself: "What proof do I have that I'm not good enough? What evidence contradicts this belief? Would I tell a friend they're not good enough in a similar situation?" Identify the sources of your "not good enough" feelings, which might include childhood messages, past failures, criticism from others, or societal pressures. Understanding where these beliefs originated can help you recognize that they're learned responses rather than fundamental truths about your worth. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend facing similar struggles. Notice when you're being self-critical and consciously choose to respond with gentleness and encouragement instead. Focus on your efforts and progress rather than only on outcomes or achievements. Recognize that your worth isn't determined by your performance or accomplishments, but by your inherent value as a human being who is trying their best with the resources and knowledge available. Reframe failure and mistakes as learning opportunities rather than evidence of inadequacy. Everyone makes mistakes and faces setbacks; these experiences are part of growth and development, not proof that you're not good enough. Set realistic, achievable goals that allow you to experience success and build confidence building gradually. Break larger objectives into smaller steps that you can accomplish, providing regular opportunities to recognize your capabilities and progress. Surround yourself with supportive people who appreciate and encourage you. Limit exposure to individuals who are consistently critical or who reinforce your feelings of inadequacy, as these Interpersonal relationship can perpetuate negative self-beliefs. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to experience competence and flow. Pursuing interests and hobbies that you enjoy can help rebuild your sense of capability and remind you of your positive qualities and talents. Practice gratitude practice for your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities, even if they seem small. Many people struggling with inadequacy have difficulty recognizing their own positive attributes, so making a conscious effort to acknowledge them is important. Keep a record of compliments, achievements, and positive feedback from others to review during difficult times. When feelings of inadequacy arise, these reminders can provide evidence that contradicts negative self-beliefs. Consider whether fear of mistakes is contributing to your feelings of inadequacy. Perfectionist standards are often impossible to meet, leading to chronic feelings of falling short. Learning to accept "good enough" in many situations can reduce these feelings significantly. Examine whether you're comparing yourself to others' highlight reels rather than their full reality. Social media and other platforms often present idealized versions of people's lives, making it easy to feel inadequate when comparing your struggles to others' apparent successes. Seek professional help if feelings of inadequacy are persistent, severe, or significantly impacting your daily life. Psychotherapy can help you identify and change negative thought patterns while building healthier self-esteem and coping strategies. Remember that feeling "not good enough" is a temporary emotional state, not a permanent truth about who you are. These feelings will pass, and with time and effort, you can develop a more balanced, compassionate relationship with yourself.