#539: Stop Trying to Prove Yourself – You’re Good Enough Already

Podcast #539   STOP TRYING TO PROVE YOURSELF - YOU'RE GOOD ENOUGH ALREADY Constantly trying to prove oneself can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout. It's important to recognize and appreciate one's abilities and accomplishments, rather than always seeking validation from others. Focusing on self-improvement and growth can be a healthier approach than striving for external validation. Remember that you are already enough and worthy, and that your worth is not determined by external factors or validation from others.  In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're coaching on: * Overworking, Overcommitting and Work Anxiety  * The undue pressure you're putting on yourself * Work-ethic versus Life-Ethic * Trusting yourself to be good enough  REVIEW OF THE WEEK: PROVING YOURSELF Unhealthy Expression: Rooted in fear and desperation Anxiety and insecurity as driving emotions Focus on people's thoughts about you as a result Healthy Expression: Rooted in desire to see what you're capable of  Curiosity and excitement as driving emotions Focus on your thoughts about you as a result To stop proving yourself, you can take the following steps: * Identify the root cause: It's important to understand why you feel the need to prove yourself to others. Is it due to past experiences or a lack of self-confidence? Once you understand the underlying cause, you can begin to address it directly. * Practice self-acceptance: Instead of seeking validation from others, focus on accepting and valuing yourself for who you are, including your strengths and weaknesses. * Set realistic expectations: Rather than striving for perfection or trying to meet unrealistic expectations, set goals that are achievable and aligned with your values and priorities. * Develop healthy coping mechanisms: When you feel the urge to prove yourself, try redirecting your energy towards healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative expression. * Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out individuals who support and encourage you, and distance yourself from those who perpetuate feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. By taking these steps, you can break free from the cycle of constantly proving yourself and cultivate a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence. OVERWORKING, OVERCOMMITMENT, WORK ANXIETY These expressions are evidence of an unhealthy desire to prove oneself Additionally, they express lack of trust in oneself and a misplaced priority on work as the primary source for self-worth. * "Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough." - Julia Cameron * "The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time." - Edwin Bliss What Happens? Creates hustle Generates anxiety Makes it difficult to rest Blurs work boundaries