Lately my Instagram and Facebook feeds are filled with the positive affirmation:
YOU ARE ENOUGH
I have seen this phrase everywhere from hashtags to t-shirts.
And I love it. I see it and think “Heck yeah, I am enough!”
But then I keep scrolling and see diet plans, organizational tips, fancy recipes, makeup tutorials, and productivity hacks.
And I think “Oof. Am I enough?”
The answer to that question is – as with most things – about finding a balance.
In his blog post Why Constant Self-Improvement May Be Bad Sometimes, Mark Lynch breaks down our need for self-improvement. He explains that while we should want to better ourselves, that desire can also reinforce negative mindsets if we tie self-improvement to self-worth.
There is a massive difference between being realistic about yourself and saying, “I am not good at this particular thing, but I can get better if I keep trying” and saying “I need to get good at this thing because otherwise, I have no value.”
Mark Lynch “Why Constant Self-Improvement May Be Bad Sometimes”
So I should strive to eat better or work smarter or whatever, but I should not think I am a failure until I can do those things.
You can accept yourself for who you are and want to be better at the same time. The idea of “You are enough” and “I can be better” are not mutually exclusive. Here are three things Mark tells to keep in mind while trying to find the balance between the two.
- Know That You Always Have Potential
- Don’t Set Unrealistic Ideals and Live Your Own Life
- Practice the Attitude of Gratitude
So keep your goals and strive for more. But don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t there. Especially in today’s world.
You always have value.
