What makes you feel you are not good enough and how to nurture a healthier mindset

Could you honestly say that you feel good about yourself? What makes you feel that you are not good enough? The constant need to display happiness can create an unattainable emotion norm that ironically compromises our well-being.

Throughout our lives, many of us have been taught that we are not adequate enough and that we need to constantly strive for excellence, even in areas where we may not have a natural talent. We have rarely been encouraged to explore and develop our existing strengths and talents, and pursue a career based on them. This societal focus on areas of weakness can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder the realization of our true potential, shrinking your natural creativity to turn you into a consumer.

Happiness is an important and desirable experience but societal pressure to be happy can create an unattainable emotion norm that ironically compromises well-being. Our findings suggest that this relationship is particularly strong in countries with higher national happiness levels. By shedding light on the importance of cultural and societal factors in shaping a healthier mindset and emotional functioning, we hope this article provides important insights that could inspire an feel good intervention regardless cultural contexts.

Everything around us can leave us feeling like we’re not good enough, that we’re not living up to the standards set by society, and ultimately, like we’re failing at life. But the truth is, feeling good enough and finding genuine happiness is a personal journey that cannot be measured or compared to others. If you feel it’s time to break free from the pressure to conform societal expectations and embrace the beauty of being human, imperfections and all, keep reading. Social media and societal expectation aside, what what makes you be you?

what defines the feeling of being good enough?

Glorified happiness doesn’t make you feel good enough

What makes you feel you are good enough and how this feeling is often compromised by the complex relationship between societal pressure to be happy to the detriment of your well-being. There is a tremendous pressure to present ourselves as happy, successful, and fulfilled to be accepted. From social media platforms to everyday conversations, the expectation to show off our happiness has become a cultural norm.

Happiness is often glorified and presented as the ultimate goal of life. This notion is reinforced by social media, where people often showcase only their happy moments and successes, leaving out the struggles and failures. As a result, many men and women feel pressured to constantly maintain a positive outlook, even if it means suppressing negative emotions.

This pressure to be happy can be detrimental to your mental health. Suppressing negative emotions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. It can also create a false sense of happiness that is not sustainable in the long run.

Instagram influencers are creating new heights for unattainable emotion norms and unrealistic expectations, which is simply not possible. Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration. The instant but constant show off of happiness in the form of ‘the- american- dream’ kind of success can also create a sense of inadequacy and failure when you are unable to achieve it. This can lead to a negative self-image and a lack of self-esteem, further compromising your well-being.

The societal pressure to be happy can create an unattainable emotion norm that ironically compromises Your well-being. Millions of people see their reality through social media lenses and feeling good within is no longer about accepting your emotions and prioritize your mental health above societal expectations, but the number of likes and the farms of bots that produce them.

Social media addicts and what makes them feel not good enough

Within ourselves lies an entire universe where the true feeling of contentment resides. Discovering our purpose and passion is the key to experiencing happiness. However, in the past decade, social media platforms like Instagram have shifted the focus towards instant gratification, promoting a culture of consumerism where everything can be obtained with just a click of a buy button.

According to recent studies, there is an average spends of 10-14 hours a day on a phone. While there are certainly many benefits to using our phones, such as staying connected with loved ones and accessing information quickly, there is also a downside to this constant connectivity. One of the most damaging effects of spending so much time on our phones is the need for external validation that it creates.

Many people use social media as a way to seek validation from others. We post pictures and updates about our lives, hoping to receive likes and comments that will make us feel good about ourselves. This constant need for approval from others can lead to a dangerous cycle of self-doubt and insecurity. It becomes easy to compare our lives to those of others and feel like we don’t measure up.

This constant exposure to screens can also have a negative impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that excessive screen time is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, it can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to get the rest we need to feel our best.

Another serious consequence of spending so much time on our phones is the impact it has on our eye health. Staring at a screen for hours on end can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, and even vision problems. This is especially true for those who use their phones for work or school, as they may be looking at screens for much longer than the average person.

While our phones can be incredibly useful tools, it’s important to be mindful of how much time we spend on them and the impact it has on our well-being. By reducing our screen time and finding ways to feel good within ourselves, rather than seeking validation from external sources, we can improve our self-confidence, mental health, and eye health.

how do you nurture a healthier mindset to feel good enough? Photo by Diana Novak

Nurturing a healthier mindset to challenge societal norms

When you strip away the noise of social media and the pressures of society’s expectations, what remains is the essence of who you are. It’s easy to get caught up in the external validation of likes, followers, and societal norms, but true satisfaction and happiness come from within. We each have a unique set of talents, interests, and passions that make us who we are. When we focus on these inner qualities and cultivate them, we can tap into a wellspring of creativity and joy that is truly our own.

Feeling of being good enough comes from recognizing and embracing this inner world, and allowing it to shine through in everything we do. So, take a moment to step back from the distractions of the outside world, and connect with the rich, vibrant world within. It is from this place that we can truly find the sense of contentment and satisfaction that we all crave.

Feeling good enough is an essential part of your wellbeing. It’s about recognizing your worth and valuing yourself as a unique individual. However, this feeling can be elusive for many people, especially when life gets challenging or when faced with criticism or rejection. So, what makes you feel good enough, and how can you maintain that feeling? Here are some ideas:

  1. Practice self-compassion: When you make a mistake or face a challenge, it’s easy to beat yourself up and feel inadequate. However, practising self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This helps you recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and you’re not alone.
  2. Focus on your strengths: Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and what makes you unique. What are you good at? What are your natural talents or skills? Celebrating your strengths helps you build self-confidence and reinforces the idea that you are good enough just as you are.
  3. Cultivate positive relationships: Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can boost your self-esteem and help you feel good enough. Seek out friends and family who uplift and encourage you, and limit your time with people who bring you down.
  4. Take care of your physical health: When you take care of your physical health, you feel better mentally and emotionally. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. This can help boost your mood and energy levels, which can help you feel good about yourself.
  5. Set achievable goals: Setting goals that are realistic and achievable can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem. Start small and work your way up, celebrating your progress along the way.
  6. Challenge negative self-talk: Negative self-talk can be a major obstacle to feeling good enough. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, challenge them. Ask yourself if they’re really true or if you’re being too hard on yourself. Then, reframe those thoughts into positive affirmations.

Feeling good enough is a journey, not a destination. It takes practice, patience, and self-compassion to maintain that feeling over time. By focusing on your strengths, cultivating positive relationships, taking care of your physical health, setting achievable goals, and challenging negative self-talk, you can develop a strong sense of self-worth and feel good enough in your own skin.

When it comes to feeling good enough, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general principles that can be applied to help you feel good about yourself and maintain that feeling.

One of the most important things you can do is to focus on your strengths. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but it’s easy to get caught up in our flaws and shortcomings. Instead, take some time to think about what you’re good at. What are your natural talents and abilities? What do you enjoy doing? When you focus on your strengths, you’ll feel more confident and capable, and that can help you feel good enough.

Another way to maintain a sense of confidence and self-worth is to practise self-care. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and take time for yourself to do things that you enjoy. When you take care of yourself, you’ll feel better overall, and that can translate into feeling good enough.

It’s also important to surround yourself with positive people who support and uplift you. Avoid people who bring you down or make you feel inadequate. Instead, seek out relationships with people who appreciate and value you for who you are.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk and to be overly critical of ourselves. Instead, try to practise self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show to a good friend.

what makes you feel you are not good enough? Photo by Josh Withers

What makes you feel you are good enough?

Society often pushes us towards being consumers, encouraging us to buy things to make ourselves feel better, but it’s important to remember that we are all born creative. One way to feel good enough is stepping away from social media and societal expectations to focus on developing your creativity. Instead of scrolling through social media, try engaging in a creative activity that brings you joy. This could be anything from painting, drawing, writing, or even cooking a new recipe.

We often set high expectations for ourselves and compare ourselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Instead, try treating yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a good friend. Recognize that you are doing the best you can and celebrate your small successes.

Finally, it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health by setting boundaries with technology. Limit your screen time and make time for activities that nourish your mind and body, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.

Feeling good enough is about nurturing your well-being, your inner sense of feeling good enough rather than external validation and societal expectations. By developing your creativity, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing your health, you can create a fulfilling life that feels authentic to you.

Feeling good enough is not about what others expect from you, but knowing what really makes you feel happy. Not the showing off but something that can be achieved overnight, but with practice and effort, it’s possible to cultivate a sense of confidence and self-worth. By focusing on your strengths, practising self-care, surrounding yourself with positive people, and practising self-compassion, you can maintain a positive sense of self and feel good enough.

You can also maintain that feeling of being good enough by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments. Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. When you acknowledge your successes, you are reinforcing positive self-talk and creating a sense of self-confidence.

Additionally, surround yourself with positive influences and that includes your own ability to feel that you are good enough. Yes, you seek out friends and family members who uplift and support you, join social groups or clubs where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests and values. But the real inspiration will always be within. Awaken that inner teacher that knows all the lesson you learned, that kn ow all the

Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, and eat a balanced diet. Practice mindfulness or meditation to help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Feeling good enough is a personal choice. Cultivating a healthier mindset is not instant but when you decide to create your own reality instead clicking the ‘buy now’ button you could discover a whole world of positive experiences, self-compassion, and self-love within.

Dr Marina Nani
Dr Marina Nani

Editor-in-Chief of Rich Woman Magazine, founder of Sovereign Magazine, author of many books, Dr Marina Nani is a social edification scientist coining a new industry, Social Edification.
Passionately advocating to celebrate your human potential, she is well known for her trademark "Be Seen- Be Heard- Be You" running red carpet events and advanced courses like Blog Genius®, Book Genius®, Podcast Genius®, the cornerstones of her teaching.
The constant practitioner of good news, she founded MAKE THE NEWS
( MTN) with the aim to diagnose and close the achievement gap globally.
Founder of many publications, British Brands with global reach Marina believes that there is a genius ( Stardust) in each individual, regardless of past and present circumstances.
"Not recognising your talent leaves society at loss. Sharing the good news makes a significant difference in your perception about yourself, your industry and your community."

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