Am I Good Enough?
By Keith Cook
We often doubt ourselves and in so doing, create a reality, a self prophecy that comes true. We say, “I can’t do that,” or “I’m not worthy.” This, inevitably, may be the result of continuous discouragement from parents, teachers, coaches and conditioned reactions to situations. I recall being told “you can’t have everything you want”, “rich people don’t go to heaven”, “this is how life is.” Tim Ferriss, best selling author of The 4 Hour Workweek said “Most people fail not because they lack the skills or aptitude to reach their goal but because they simply don’t believe they can reach it.”
I went to visit a friend that lives in Florida, a well accomplished entrepreneur, husband and father of two daughters. We’ve been friends since ‘86. I was speaking with his wife about interior design. Each home they’ve lived in has had a unique feel, design and flow, mainly due to the designs of his wife. She mentioned that friends and family members have praised her for her ideas and invited her to decorate their homes. She wants to become an interior designer, and her husband is very supportive of the partaking. However, something is holding her back – her thoughts. In our conversation she mentioned, “I wonder – am I good enough?”
Even though she’s received numerous positive comments, and she’s passionate about interior design, she still has some doubts and fears. So, how can someone overcome these negative thoughts and doubts? One way is to examine the facts. For example, in my friend’s case, she could ask herself:
- Have I received many positive comments about my design ideas?
- Is interior design natural to me? Does it come easy to me? Is it fun and exciting? Am I passionate about it?
- Could I do it all day and not get tired of it?
- Do I love it so much that I would do it for free?
- Do I love it so much that it would never feel like work?
Search within yourself and recall the moments in your life in which you were the happiest. What were you doing? What were you thinking? What habits did you have? Make a list of your past successes and envision those moments. If you are unable to determine a time in your life that provides you with a sense of happiness or joy, then use your imagination and imagine an abundant and prosperous life full of everything you desire.
In the article, “How To Overcome Fears,” it provides more detailed information on overcoming fears and improving your self-confidence.
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