Feelings of Inadequacy...

(Written February 24, 2007)

Something I've been thinking about lately is why we often feel inadequate, especially amidst positive influences. There are times when people try to bring us down; they tell us we can't accomplish things we know we can; that we're not good enough; that we should stop trying; and other similar things. In those situations it makes sense that we would sometimes feel inadequate, as we often start believing things the more people tell us. If people treat you like you're stupid, chances are, you'll eventually start believing that you actually are. It's unfortunate and cruel, but it happens. But why do we let this happen?

More to the point of this note, why do we allow ourselves to feel inadequate when we are surrounded by people who do nothing but lift us up? Is it because we somehow don't believe it when people give us sincere compliments and support? Why do we assume that friends and family lie to us for the sake of making us feel better? As if they don't actually believe that we're capable of accomplishing great things. It doesn't make sense to me. It seems that we are more ready to believe the person who's tearing us down than the person who wants the best for us. I think that's sad. I think that mentality keeps us from reaching our full potential. So, how do we beat that mentality?

I really don't have the answers to these questions, which is the reason I'm posting this: I'd like to know what you guys think. I do have some thoughts though:

In my opinion, one of the biggest things that keeps us from accepting and believing sincere support is a weird sense of pride. It seems that we're being humble by not immediately agreeing with compliments that are given. We have a kind of, "I don't want to seem prideful, so I'm not going to accept that compliment" attitude. And then we turn around and give someone else a compliment expecting that they will accept and appreciate it. I think that we are severely conflicted inside, to the point where we don't know how to act when it seems that someone is acknowledging that we're actually doing something good. We often feel weighed down by responsibilities and tasks, which makes us feel overwhelmed, which then leads to feelings of inadequacy. My thoughts on feeling inadequate are that we never should, even though we all do--myself included. I guess that's just a result of having to deal with opposition in all things. But just by the simple fact that I'm in this world is proof to me that I myself am not inadequate. I've been given a chance by Someone to make something out of my life; and every other single person on the face of this planet has been given that exact same opportunity! No matter what people tell us, no matter our diverse circumstances, everyone has the same potential, united by our differences!