These days, we are overwhelmed by a feeling of inadequacy. It is a feeling that is in many ways paralyzing, and it keeps us from doing what we’re passionate about, the things we love most. We waste lots of time being afraid of not being good enough. Our minds are working 24/7, trying to find ways to sabotage our dreams. We are constantly being bombarded with information, motivational meme pages dictating how successful we should be and that our hobbies/dreams are worthless unless they make us 6 figures in a short period of time.
At the beginning stages, we usually start with: “I want to show to the world this thing that makes my heart sing!” That is super exciting! But if you are a bit like me, this exciting thought is usually followed by:
“But wait – it has to be absolutely perfect.”
“What if I fail and people see it?”
“What if it’s silly?”
“What if I don’t have what it takes?”
“Other people are doing it already. I shouldn’t even try.”
“I don’t think I’m good enough for this.”
“I will be judged for doing this.”
And the weight of our dream becomes too heavy to carry.
Sometimes we put ourselves down because other people’s successes (or ideas of success) blind us, and we feel like we will never be good enough. Other times, we get knocked down by unhappy people, and they take their frustrations out on us. And sometimes, it’s because life took a toll on our mental health. And little by little, we put up this massive obstacle in front of us and tuck our ideas and desires away in a little box.
Instead of taking the time to build our dream, we use that time to build a wall instead, a wall so big that it is impossible to climb. We make starting that special project so hard. And even if we do start, we second guess ourselves until we lose our ‘mojo.’
If you have reached this point, I would love for you to try to turn down the world’s noise and start where you are. Ask yourself: “what is my idea of success?” And: “why am I doing this?”
Your dreams and your measure of success are yours alone.
Then, start with tiny steps so you don’t get overwhelmed. Write the first phrase of your blog post or even just the title. Buy your website handle. Do ten pushups on your kitchen counter. Order your business cards. Post a picture of that dish you made with so much love. Do just one thing today. Then another tomorrow. The smallest progress will give you the boost you need to continue. And the dream that seemed impossible yesterday might not seem so far after all. That big wall will start getting smaller with every step, and you will start trusting yourself.
When you are ready to start working on your project, count on good friends to help keep you motivated. Let them know about it, and they will be there to cheer you on. Having a good support group is extremely helpful, especially when you start doubting yourself. If you don’t have a good support group, you can write phrases of self-love and affirmation and stick them in your workspace to remind yourself that you are amazing.
And remember, you can do this. If it’s in your heart, that means that God put it there, and it’s your gift to the world. It will be wonderful for you to share it. And you might change lives by doing that.
Esti says
So needed to hear this 🙏🏼
Alyssa says
I love this blog post! We all have gifts we are meant to share with the world and writing is defInitely one of yOurs! Thank you for the remindeR to be gentle with Myself on this journey called life.
Von sica says
BEautifully written AdRienne!
Cb says
I love Your blog posts!
Angee says
Your amazing. I loved this whole post.
ML says
Love this blog. Keep up your INSPIRATIONAL WRITING, adriEnne!
Will says
This Is really good .. 🙏