Breaking Free from 'Not Enough'
Each of us is enough, just as we are. Sometimes, it simply takes courage to look within and allow ourselves to feel it
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, it’s never enough? Like you’re always falling short, even when you’re giving it your all? This feeling is surprisingly common, quietly impacting how we show up in the world. The “not good enough” belief can slip into our minds subtly, growing from a passing thought into a constant inner voice. But what if we could challenge this belief? What if we could uncover the truth hidden beneath it: that we are inherently enough?
My Journey with “Not Good Enough”
This feeling isn’t new to me—it’s a belief I carried for much of my life. Growing up, I often felt I had to meet high expectations, even if they were unspoken. Whether in school, relationships, or my career, I pushed myself to the limit, thinking, If I could just be smarter, slimmer, or more accomplished, maybe I’d finally feel enough.
But no accomplishment ever filled that void. Instead, this belief led to burnout, self-sabotage, and an overwhelming fear of failure. I was trapped in cycles of perfectionism and comparison, never feeling satisfied with who I was, how I looked, or what I achieved. It took a long time to realize that this “not enough” belief wasn’t my truth; it was simply a story I’d been telling myself based on external pressures, past experiences, and my own fears.
Understanding the “Not Enough” Belief
For many of us, the feeling of inadequacy begins in childhood. We may have been praised mainly for achievements, internalizing that our worth depended on our performance. Or maybe we absorbed messages from media, friends, or family that painted an unattainable picture of success or beauty. These messages sink into our subconscious, building up until they feel like truths.
The “not enough” belief is particularly sneaky because it’s reinforced by both successes and failures. When we succeed, we think, I have to keep going, or I’ll disappoint everyone. When we fall short, it confirms, I knew I wasn’t good enough. This belief keeps us in an endless loop of striving without fulfillment.
The Impact of “Not Good Enough” on Our Lives
This limiting belief can seep into every part of life, affecting how we think, act, and even dream. Here’s how it often shows up:
Self-Sabotage: Feeling unworthy can make us unintentionally hold back from success or happiness. Fear of failure or judgment often stops us from taking risks.
Perfectionism: Perfectionism may seem like a protective shield, but it reinforces that we’re “not good enough” when we fall short of impossible standards.
Seeking Validation: Constantly seeking validation from others might temporarily fill the void, but it fades quickly, keeping us on a cycle of looking outward for reassurance.
These behaviors drain us, leaving little room for joy, peace, or self-acceptance.
Strategies to Start Reclaiming Your Worth
If the belief of “not enough” resonates with you, know that it’s possible to let it go. Here are some steps that helped me along my journey:
Challenge Your Inner Dialogue - When self-doubt arises, reframe it. Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.” Remember, these thoughts are stories you can choose to rewrite.
Practice Self-Compassion - Be gentle with yourself. When you face setbacks, treat yourself as you would a friend, with patience and understanding. Self-compassion softens our inner critic and builds resilience.
Explore Energy Work - Energy work can be a powerful tool for releasing deep-seated beliefs and reconnecting with a sense of self-worth beyond external validation.
Reframe Perfectionism - Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on growth. Embrace the idea that you’re a work in progress, and each step is part of your journey.
Celebrate Small Wins - Recognize and celebrate small achievements. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a testament to your resilience and strength.
How Energy Work Helped Me Release Limiting Beliefs
For years, I carried the belief that I wasn’t enough. It colored every part of my life, influencing decisions, relationships, and my sense of self. No matter what I achieved, the feeling lingered, as if true worthiness was always just out of reach.
Discovering energy work became a turning point. Through journaling and energy healing, I began to see these thoughts for what they were: beliefs I’d absorbed, not my truth.
With energy work, I was able to access these limiting beliefs stored within me. It’s not that energy work magically ‘fixed’ me; rather, it reconnected me to the worth that had always been there. It allowed me to experience what it feels like to be enough—not through achievements, but simply by being..
If you’ve ever struggled with “not being enough,” know that your worth isn’t something you have to earn. It’s part of who you are. Energy work can be a powerful way to reconnect with that truth. You are, and have always been, enough.
Embracing “Enoughness”
Learning to feel “enough” doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a journey worth taking. When the old feeling of “not enough” resurfaces, I remind myself: I am worthy, not because of what I achieve but simply because I am. Our worth isn’t tied to success, beauty, or validation—it’s an innate part of who we are.
You are already enough, just as you are. If you’re ready to let go of “not enough” and reconnect with your true worth, let’s work together. Book a session, and let’s cultivate deeper self-worth and inner peace!