We’ve all asked ourselves at some point, “Am I good enough?” It’s a question rooted in self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure to meet expectations set by others or society. But what if we shifted that perspective? Instead of questioning your worth, ask: “Am I being true to myself?”
The Pressure to Please It’s not your fault if you’ve spent years trying to fit in or meet others’ expectations. Sadly, through socialisation and conformity, many of us are taught that this is the key to acceptance and success. We’re praised for following the rules, for being agreeable, and for striving to meet standards that often aren’t our own. Society subtly, and sometimes overtly, reinforces the idea that our worth is tied to how well we align with what others want.
But here’s the catch: living this way comes at a cost. Constantly trying to meet others’ expectations can leave us feeling drained, disconnected, and even lost. It’s as though we’re pouring our energy into something that doesn’t nourish us. We might succeed in gaining approval, but inside, we’re left feeling unfulfilled.
When we go against our true nature—trying to align with what suits others rather than what feels authentic to us—it creates a deep sense of dissatisfaction. This is because we’re operating outside of our natural energy, and over time, that disconnection can lead to unhappiness and even burnout. The truth is, we can’t please everyone—and we don’t have to.
The Path to Freedom: Becoming “You Enough”
Here’s the truth: You were never meant to live someone else’s life. Your energy, passions, and strengths are uniquely yours, and living in alignment with them is the key to fulfillment.
Your uniqueness is your strength. It’s your quirks, talents, and even your imperfections that make you irreplaceable. When you embrace who you are—your values, passions, and dreams—you liberate yourself from the weight of others’ opinions. You don’t need to change to fit someone else’s mould. You’re not here to blend in; you’re here to shine.
How to Shift the Focus Back to YOU:
Reflect on your core values: What truly matters to you, what brings you joy, what do you genuinely care about? When you start focusing on what feels right for you, not what others expect, you’ll feel more energized and aligned.
Recognize when you are seeking approval: Pay attention to situations where you’re putting others’ opinions above your own needs or values. Practice asking yourself, “Does this feel right for me?”
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the kindness you’d offer a friend.
Set boundaries: Learning to say no to what doesn’t serve you and yes to what does is a powerful step toward living authentically.
The Beauty of Authenticity
Becoming “you enough” doesn’t mean rejecting others or refusing to adapt to life’s realities. It simply means permitting yourself to live in alignment with your values and energy. And being “you enough” doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up as your true self, flaws and all, and knowing that who you are is more than enough. It means understanding that your uniqueness isn’t a flaw to fix—it’s a strength to embrace.
When you stop living for others and start living for yourself, you’ll find that life feels fuller, freer, and more purposeful. Being true to who you are is not only enough—it’s everything.
"Instead of chasing the impossible standard of being 'good enough' for everyone else, ask yourself: Am I being true to who I really am? Authenticity is your power. When you let go of people-pleasing and embrace your uniqueness, you free yourself to live fully, unapologetically, and with purpose. You don’t need to fit in; you were born to stand out." - Dr Kati Adeseko
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