Why do I feel like I'm not good enough no matter what I achieve?

The feeling of never being good enough despite achievements suggests that your finding identity/building-self-worth" class="internal-link">self-respect is tied to external validation rather than internal acceptance. This pattern often develops in childhood when love or approval felt conditional on performance, grades, or behavior. You learned that your value as a person depended on what you accomplished rather than who you are. No amount of external success can fill this internal void because the problem isn't your achievements - it's the belief system that says you must earn your worth. fear of mistakes fuels this cycle by constantly moving the goalposts. Each time you reach a goal, instead of feeling satisfied, you immediately focus on the next thing you need to achieve to prove your value. This creates an exhausting hamster wheel where you're always chasing the next accomplishment to feel worthy. The critical inner voice that drives this pattern is often internalized from early Interpersonal relationship or societal messages about success and value. You might find yourself dismissing compliments, attributing success to luck, or focusing intensely on any criticism or failure. Breaking this pattern requires developing unconditional self-esteem - the radical idea that you have value simply because you exist, not because of what you do. This involves practicing self-compassion, challenging perfectionist thoughts, and learning to celebrate achievements without immediately moving to the next goal. Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful for exploring the origins of these beliefs and developing healthier ways of relating to yourself. Remember that your worth is inherent, not earned.