According to a Chinese Philosopher, “He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.” ~ Lao Tzu (Tzu, n.d.) One way to recognize when you are enough is to focus on your goals. There is a four-step process renown business coach Tony Robbins recommends based on the concept of Smart Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely): Step 1: Face Your Fears Step 2: Become Accountable Step 3: Re-focus on Your Goals Step 4: Create a Personalized Plan (Robbins, n.d.) Once you understand your goals and know how to measure them, it remains imperative that you continue your self-awareness by breaking out of negative thought patterns by following these six practices:
We have explored the concept of “I Am Enough” throughout this past year. Some conclusions we can draw from this study include recognizing the value of positive self-talk, believing that we are enough, knowing that comparing ourselves to others is a form of negative self-talk, the imposter syndrome, and the importance of goal setting. When thoughts of inadequacy start to run through your mind, you may even subconsciously look for signs that you don’t measure up. Shifting your thinking patterns away from this self-defeating cycle is possible, which allows healing to take place. As human beings, we often find ourselves wallowing in patterns of self-denial, negativity, and passive behavior. When we find these thought processes start taking over, we start to feel that we are NOT enough. This is when we need to recognize that, no matter what others may think, or what others may say we ARE enough. A final thought to end the year on a positive note: Overthinking about the best way to be productive won’t actually make one more productive, being productive will. References
Robbins, T. (n.d.). Break Through Negative Emotions and Transform Your Life. Retrieved from TonyRobbins.com: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/stories/coaching/learning-to-be-enough/ Taylor Counseling Group. (2020, November 10). 6 Ways to Stop Thinking You’re Not “Good Enough”. Retrieved from Taylor Counseling Group: https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/6-ways-to-stop-thinking-youre-not-good-enough/ Tzu, L. (n.d.). Lao Tzu Quotes. Retrieved from BrainyQuote.com: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/lao_tzu_137141
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We spend much of our time trying to be perfect. Perfect parents, perfect workers, perfect friends, perfect siblings, perfect children. Why not change that thought process to understanding and believing that showing up and doing our best is ENOUGH. We cannot be perfect in everything. Repeat this mantra: “I’m already enough.” The other thing to understand and celebrate is when our friends, family, and co-workers show up and try to do their best, they are also ENOUGH. If we continually look for perfect people to share our lives with, we will be sorely disappointed. Nobody is perfect. “While believing that there’s value in healthy striving, we must recognize that our enoughness has nothing to do with our achievements. Being enough has nothing to do with anything for that matter. We’re simply enough, just as we are, no matter what we do or don’t do. “No matter who you are or where your journey has taken you, you already have everything you need to start taking steps toward creating a life you truly love.” (Sherer, 2023) What do you believe makes you enough? If you answered that question in any other way than “I am enough simply because I’m me,” then you’re certainly not alone. “Studies suggest 85 percent of people experience a sense of not being enough at some point in their lives.” (Ubbenga, 2020) So, let’s get back to surrounding yourself with people who are ENOUGH. According to research by social psychologist Dr. David McClelland of Harvard, the people you habitually associate with determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life. Therefore, it makes sense that you surround yourself with people who also believe that they are ENOUGH. People who constantly belittle others or are always exhibiting negative self-talk are more than likely unhappy or not convinced they are ENOUGH. Their behavior and negativity can rub off on you, changing your mantras to ANTS. (Automatic Negative Thoughts) Eliminating ANTS is crucial for brain health. Negative thoughts change brain chemistry, causing problems in the brain, which can lead to depression and feelings of not being enough. It is not easy to completely eliminate the negativity in the people around you, or even in your own thoughts, but if you work at it, recognizing the power of the negativity and strive to overcome it, you will continue to be ENOUGH, and surround yourself with those people who believe they are also ENOUGH. References
Sherer, H. (2023). This is why you’re already enough. Retrieved from Holly Sherer.com: https://www.hollyscherer.com/enough/ Ubbenga, J. (2020, September 5). A Blueprint for Believing You Are Enough. Retrieved from Rich in What Matters: Live Life Intentionally: https://richinwhatmatters.com/2020/09/05/a-blueprint-for-believing-you-are-enough/ |
AuthorI am a Performance Enhancement Specialist with a background in Emergency Psychiatric Medicine and Community Addiction. Archives
December 2023
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