Why do we think we aren't good enough? Or smart enough? Or capable? Why do we always feel the need to compare ourselves to others? Why do we look at them and automatically assume that they're better than us, that their life is 100% perfect? Why is judgment something that is so easily given?
Over the last few weeks, doubt is something that continually became more and more present in my thinking. I don't think there's a single answer for why. Often there are multiple triggers that start the ball rolling and I think that's what ended up happening. It often turns into the snowball effect. Something small gets planted and then something else gets added to it, and before you know it, you're overwhelmed by something ginormous.
I'm not saying I'm a "debbie downer". In fact, I'm usually a very happy person.
But every once in a while, I fall into one these funks. The kind of funk where you're your biggest critic.
And I can't be the only one who goes through this. I'm human. I'm not perfect. But the society we live in often tells us that perfect is the only acceptable thing to be.
I'm writing this today because everyone deserves to be reminded that they are good enough and that they don't need to compare themselves to anyone. You don't have to be perfect.
(And no, I'm not asking for personal praise here)
Everyone is on their own journey. They each started at a different time and they will each progress at different rates. Just because you're not at the same point as someone else, doesn't mean you shouldn't be excited about your own progress.
Every time you reach a milestone that you've set for yourself, no matter how big or small, it should be celebrated. If you keep reaching goals and don't ever stop to harvest the crops that you've grown, you're going to work yourself into the ground because you'll be too busy creating a living to actually live your life. - Chalene Johnson
Here's a great example...that girl has abs and you don't. What you don't know is that that girl has been working for those abs for 2 years where you've only been working towards them for a few weeks or 6 months. Why not give yourself a round of applause for accomplishing those few weeks or 6 months? It's more impressive than you're giving yourself credit for.
When we tell ourselves that we can't do it before we even try, we're automatically setting ourselves up for failure. This saying says it all...
Most of the things we "wish we had" or admire in others, are things that we can have too...as long as we're willing to work for them. By taking the time to work for them, we're telling ourselves we can!
Here's a personal example regarding this. In the last few weeks, I've really questioned my decision to become a Beachbody coach. I've seen so many other coaches soar lately and it just hasn't happened for me. I started wondering if it'd ever happen for me. But then I realized something...I wasn't doing everything I could to make it soar. I had to remember why I made the decision to become a coach in the first place. And now that I remember my why, I'm ready to work my butt off to achieve the goals I have.
A friend has recently started her fitness journey and I'm so proud of her. She started off small with the things she knew and she committed to it. As she's becoming more comfortable and confident, I see her commitment intensifying. She even joined me for a workout this past week and totally kicked butt! Her enthusiasm motivates me! She's working hard for the things she wants.
Let's look at a few more...
You wish you had that girl's wardrobe... Ok, so work hard, save up the money and then purchase a few of the items you just can't live without.
You wish you knew how to style your hair like all the other girls... Look up YouTube videos with tutorials and keep practicing the styles you like. Someone else has done the hard work for you, you just have to keep practicing. You'll eventually get it.
The list can truly go on and on here people!
Everyone deserves to be happy, both in life and about themselves.
It's time to stop the "what-ifs" and the "I wish I could". It's time to turn them into "it happened" and "I did it".
Embrace who you are. Take the time to better who you are as a person. Find your passion and go after it. Put in the work. Get back up and push through after every time you're knocked down.
I hope anyone that reads this has a little extra pep in their step now. Don't be afraid to go after your goals. Know that you'll always have me cheering you on and believing in you!
