How Feelings of Inadequacy Hinder Progress

I don't think I personally know a single writer who doesn't face some kind of impostor syndrome. This is when you simply don't feel good enough for the success you either seek or have achieved. But these feelings can be ultimately debilitating if you don't squash them now.

This is speaking from experience, by the way.

I've been a freelance writer since January of 2012. After nearly 10 years, I still have feelings of inadequacy when it comes to certain projects. Mostly it comes rearing its ugly head when I am trying to be more creative.

But, this frame of mind can hold back some of the most amazing experiences you may have. And this goes beyond your career path.

In fact, feelings of inadequacy are commonplace in a myriad of personal life situations. Especially when it comes down to dating.

Makes You Second-Guess Everything

When you don't feel as though you're good enough, you'll often dwell on decisions you make. You begin to second-guess everything you do, which can easily elevate stress levels.

Sometimes when you second-guess a decision, you may try to fix it by doing something different. And in my experience, that often leads to making the situation far worse.

Then, you start spiraling out of control while constantly trying to correct the problem. Every action you take could seem like another issue that is making matters more difficult.

The worse part is when you realize that the first decision was the correct one, to begin with. So, you put yourself into an intense and stressful situation because you didn't think you were going about things the right way.

Trust in your decision and move on.

Takes Away from Your Achievements

Next, things like impostor syndrome can easily take away from any achievements of which you could feel a sense of pride. Instead, you'll dwell about how the achievement is really not that impressive or that somehow you cheated to get it.

Case in point, I often have issues accepting compliments for my work. I sometimes tend to side with perhaps the client is just being nice.

Instead, I should focus on the fact that I've literally completed more than 10,000 jobs for thousands of clients spanning the globe. Many of which were repeat customers.

Relish in what you've accomplished and move on.

You're Less Likely to Take Chances

Inadequacy can lead you to take fewer chances, even those that are virtually guaranteed to be successful. This means you won't apply to certain jobs that you are exceptionally qualified for, publish that novel that many of your fans are waiting to read, or perhaps ask that girl out who has already sent you shower pics.

Sure, there's nothing in this world that is 100% guaranteed. But if you don't take those chances on things that present themselves, you could be missing out on some incredible experiences.

No, you won't always be successful. But that is part of life. Learn from what made it a failure so that you can prepare yourself better for the next attempt. Nothing is truly a failure as long as you learn from the encounter. Then, it simply becomes a learning experience, nothing more.

Don't let the fear of being not good enough stop you from exploring your potential.

Take a deep breath, take that chance, and move on.

It Becomes Ultimately Harder to Succeed

The more often you feel not good enough, the more difficult it's going to be to succeed in anything. This means less pay, fewer rewards, and a solitary lifestyle.

With each moment and situation you pass because of impostor syndrome, it'll take that much more effort to reach certain levels of success you truly want.

The feeling of inadequacy can create one hell of a vicious cycle that you may find extremely difficult to rise from. But if you don't find a way to keep it in check, you're going to miss out.

Have faith in your abilities and what you offer, and then move on.

Don't Dwell on What Might Happen

It's incredibly easy for our imaginations to run rampant in any given situation. The trick is to not dwell on what our imaginations will toss out there.

For many of us, the imagination can be a powerful ally or our worst enemy. And letting your mind go to dark places is no good for anyone. Especially if you let it take control of your actions.

Worrying about what might happen often leads to making mistakes and knee-jerk decisions that can ruin an otherwise perfect outcome.

Focus more on what is, and not what it might be.