It’s Okay to Feel Like You’re Never Enough
Ever feel like no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough? Like you’re constantly climbing a mountain, but the peak just keeps getting higher? If you’re nodding your head, trust me—you’re not alone. Especially for us ambitious, go-getting women, that feeling of “never enough” has a way of sneaking in, even when we’re crushing it.
But here’s the deal: feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re failing. In fact, it’s a sign that you’ve got BIG dreams and even bigger potential. It’s time to flip the script on this feeling and learn why it’s okay to feel like you’re never enough—because it doesn’t define you, and it sure as heck doesn’t have to hold you back.
The Hustle Trap: Why High-Achievers Feel “Never Enough”
So, why do we keep feeling like this? Well, when you’re a high-achiever, it’s easy to get caught in the hustle trap. You set a goal, crush it, and then—bam!—you’re already eyeing the next one. That little voice in your head loves to pipe up and say, “Sure, you did that, but what about this?”
And let’s not forget, society loves to tell us that we should always be doing more. But here’s the thing: that constant pressure isn’t serving you. It’s draining. It’s exhausting. And it’s time to show that voice who’s boss.
Why Feeling “Not Enough” Is a Sign of Your Strength
Look, I know it’s not fun feeling like you’re always chasing the next big thing. But here’s a reframe for you: feeling like you’re never enough means you care. It means you’re not willing to settle, that you believe in your potential, and that you’re committed to growth.
But here’s where we need to draw the line: that drive doesn’t mean you have to beat yourself up every time you’re not perfect (because newsflash—nobody is).
Embrace the Power of “Enoughness” (Yes, It’s a Thing!)
Let’s try something different: What if you decided that today, as you are right now, you’re enough? What if you took a breath, looked back at how far you’ve come, and said, “Dang, I’m pretty amazing”?
Here’s how you can start embracing that feeling of “enoughness”:
1. Celebrate the Little Wins: You’re not just here for the giant victories—those everyday moments count, too! Handle a tough client? Send out that email you’ve been avoiding? Heck yes, that’s a win. Keep track of these moments, and when you’re feeling like you’re falling short, remind yourself that progress is still progress.
2. Talk Back to That Inner Critic: When that nagging voice tries to tell you that you’re not doing enough, clap back with some truth. “I’m doing my best, and that’s more than enough!” Say it out loud if you have to. (Bonus points if you give your inner critic a name—because sometimes “Debbie Downer” just needs to sit this one out.)
3. Remember Your Why: Why did you start chasing your dreams in the first place? What fires you up? When you reconnect with your “why,” it’s easier to see that you’re not just running a race—you’re building a life that matters to you.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Being hard on yourself might seem like the way to stay motivated, but trust me, it’s a fast track to burnout. Show yourself the same kindness you’d show your best friend. Give yourself a break when things don’t go perfectly and remember that mistakes are just part of the process.
5. Set Boundaries That Honor Your Well-being: One of the most empowering things you can do is learn to say no. Whether it's declining an extra project that doesn't align with your goals or stepping back from social obligations that drain you, setting boundaries is a crucial step in honoring your well-being. It’s about making space for what truly matters to you.
6. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that every experience, success or failure, is an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset shift can transform how you approach challenges, helping you see them not as insurmountable obstacles but as steps on your path to becoming even more resilient and self-assured.
7. Surround Yourself with Support: The people around us can significantly impact how we see ourselves. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift you, believe in your dreams, and support your journey toward feeling enough. A supportive community can be a powerful source of strength and encouragement when self-doubt creeps in.
8. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Life is messy, and so are we—and that’s perfectly okay. Embracing your imperfections means accepting yourself fully, with all your quirks, flaws, and unique traits. Remember, it’s those very imperfections that make you who you are.
9. Reflect and Reassess Regularly: Take time to reflect on your journey. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and reassess your goals and aspirations. Life changes, and so do we. It’s okay to change direction or set new goals that align more closely with who you’re becoming.
It’s Okay to Want More—But It’s Also Okay to Be Proud of Where You Are
Look, I’m not saying you have to stop being ambitious or dreaming big. But you can give yourself permission to rest, to celebrate where you are right now, and to acknowledge that you’re doing a pretty amazing job. Feeling like you’re never enough doesn’t mean you are—it means you’ve got goals, drive, and a heart that wants to make a difference.
So the next time that little voice tries to tell you you’re falling short, remind it that you’re already pretty incredible—and you’re just getting started.