Even when everything seems to be going well, many of us carry an inner feeling that says, “I’m actually not that good.” We feel uncomfortable when we receive praise, and when we achieve something, we belittle ourselves by saying, “I was just lucky.” This is exactly where what we have been hearing about more and more in recent years comes into play: impostor syndrome, the feeling of being a fraud.
The Silent Voice Of Inadequacy
In reality, this feeling does not belong to a specific group. Students, young professionals, and even people who have worked in their field for years can sometimes silently tell themselves, “I’m not good enough.” Saying “Anyone could have done this” after completing a project, or responding with “It’s nothing worth exaggerating” when someone congratulates you, may actually be signs that you are being unfair to yourself.
This feeling is generally fueled by three main factors:
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Constantly comparing yourself to others (seeing yourself as weak while perceiving others as superior; comparing physical or psychological traits),
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Feeling as if you must be perfect (perfectionism and the pressure it creates),
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Failing to internalize your achievements (“I did it, but anyone could have.”)
What’s interesting is that most people who experience this feeling are actually genuinely successful. In other words, the sense of inadequacy often has little to do with reality; it is more like a silent game the mind plays on us—largely rooted in past traumatic experiences that distort our self-perception.
Breaking The Cycle Of Self-Doubt
Breaking this cycle begins with realizing that this feeling is not unique to you. From there, you begin to learn how to view yourself with more compassion. Speaking from my own experience, I can say that I have been confident throughout most periods of my life, because I love my soul, my body, myself—my entire being—as a whole.
One of the most effective ways I have achieved this is by not placing all the blame on myself when I face a problem or a crisis. Instead, I evaluate all physical and psychological possibilities. Every situation we observe from a wider perspective eventually leads to a conclusion.
Rather than constantly asking “why,” we need to confront even the experiences we would rather avoid remembering, examine them deeply, and filter them through awareness. I cannot say that I have never felt inadequate, but taking care of myself and consistently protecting my self-worth has always elevated me.
Functionality Over Rumination
If I do not focus on myself, the problem grows, exhausts me, and only causes harm. When life offers countless beauties within such limited time, why should I drown in details? One of my favorite methods—though not always the healthiest—is keeping myself occupied.
Whenever I encounter a situation that overwhelms my mind or makes me feel inadequate, I pause and take a breath. Then I give myself a brief moment to think about how I can minimize or disregard the impact of that situation. This is where functionality begins: the mind decides and takes a position.
At this point, we find an occupation—whether it is a hobby, work, personal interest, or spiritual belief. Whatever we find, this is where our glow-up process begins. Whether this process is long or short, it carries us forward with both benefit and pleasure.
Resilience, Self-Focus, And Emotional Strength
During this journey, we may need to move forward systematically, without comparison, and sometimes by opening up to someone we trust. Even trying these suggestions once can lead to surprisingly positive results.
Always invest in yourself. People may leave—your family, your friends, even those you love. At the end of the road, you may find yourself alone, asking:
Who am I?
Am I happy?
Am I lonely?
Do I love myself?
What have I truly done for myself?
Feelings of inadequacy can arise from comparison, emptiness, or criticism—and yes, this is entirely human. But take a moment to look around you.
The Illusion Of Perfection
Imagine a very beautiful woman who seems flawless to you, yet constantly finds faults in herself—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. No matter the aspect, she always wants to be better. You have likely encountered people like this and wondered, “Why doesn’t she like herself? I would love to be in her place.”
The message here is clear: if you see yourself as inadequate, develop a low self-concept, constantly give too much of yourself, and live in comparison, you will never truly be happy. You will drown in regrets and “what ifs.”
We have only one life. If we focus on how to live it in the best and most fulfilling way—not on people, events, or circumstances, but entirely on ourselves—this problem can be resolved at its core.
Confidence As A Way Of Living
Your sense of inadequacy may have originated from a person or an experience, and that is completely natural. Everyone goes through this. But think about people who are warm, social, and charismatic—those many admire.
Is the difference that they are more beautiful or attractive?
No.
The difference lies in self-focus, confidence, and strong self-esteem. These individuals live for themselves without obsessing over people or situations. They believe life is short, days are beautiful, small things bring happiness, and contentment is the key to every lock.
They avoid drama and live with enjoyment. They believe there is goodness in both what happens and what does not. This is where happiness truly begins.
Psychological Resilience And Inner Strength
Even during their lowest periods, they do not allow those moments to take anything away from who they are. If they can change the problem, they try. If they cannot, they place it in the background and mentally minimize it.
These individuals possess psychological resilience. They ask themselves: What do I think? What do I feel? Do I want this? Where do I rebuild myself from now on? In this way, the size of the problem becomes irrelevant.
As I conclude, I want to share a quote I deeply love:
“If I stumble over a stone, I learn to watch where I step.”
The true message here is not to blame the stone, but to understand what it teaches me—how I will continue my path, how I will build my best version, and how I will use the lesson it offers.
In a world where days, months, and seasons move in order, a scattered and inadequate mind cannot find its way.
May you find your path in the strongest way possible.
With love.