It is very easy to get caught up in feeling not good enough both personally and professionally. With awareness of what is happening for us, we can make great changes with a few powerful strategies.
“Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Mat”
One of my favorite strategies for combating not feeling good enough is to practice the mindset of “keeping my eyes on my own mat.” I discovered this strategy from my years as a yoga practitioner. In my yoga class, I used to often take a peek at the person next me. Sometimes I would look at my neighbor and be in appreciation for what they could do. Other times, I’d find myself in a state of comparison, envy, and agitation for not being as flexible, fit, glamorous, or practiced as them. In essence, not feeling adequate! When I feel this way, I tell myself to keep my eyes on my own mat. Because what is actually happening for me within my tiny rectangular spot is all that matters. I have used this metaphor outside of the yoga room in both my personal and professional life.
While I find joy in what others are doing and have, I also get caught up in the humanness of not feeling enough. When I see colleagues flourishing, moms who have it all together, or whatever else the flavor of not being enough takes on, I remind myself to keep my eyes on my own mat. This involves getting off social media, going back to my work, or literally looking down at my own feet. This practice reminds me all that matters is on my mat, not anybody else’s. It’s a powerful mindset shift helping to reframe and improve how I feel about myself.
Bring Yourself Outside When Not Feeling Good Enough
A second strategy I use when feelings of not being good enough creep in is getting out in nature. Nature brings me full circle back to what what I value in life. For me, a healthy, simple life with my family and limited material possessions along with an acceptance of who I am is what I need. However, I too get caught up in what the American culture is selling and what the Jones’s have next door. If I spend enough time on social media, I find myself wanting more, being critical of myself, and wondering if I am doing or have enough. Nature is the perfect remedy to inadequacy. I always feel enough when hiking in the forest or strolling the ocean’s sandy shore.
Bring Gratefulness To the Table
Gratitude is the third strategy I use when not feeling good enough. When I remember all I have versus what I don’t, I improve my mindset almost instantly. I have so much to be grateful for. When I turn my attention to this fact, my deficits melt away. I try to remind myself of all I am, all I can do, and all I have. Gratitude is a mighty way to shift any mindset into one of feeling enough.
In closing, normal feelings of of not feeling good enough pop up for everyone. However, when we recognize this feeling, we can shift our mindset. While this isn’t always easy, using these strategies is extremely helpful.
If not feeling enough is getting in the way of your life, please feel free to reach out to me to schedule an appointment. Also, if you want to literally put the yoga metaphor to the test, you can find a listing of local classes here.