Feelings of Inadequacy: How to Overcome Feeling Inadequate

Feelings of inadequacy are negative thoughts and emotions that reinforce false statements of worthlessness. This can lead to a fixed mindset: when suffering from a sense of inadequacy, people might give in to self-criticism, linger on past mistakes, and question who they are.

Inadequate feelings can have a long-term impact on a person’s self-confidence and delay their ability to self-actualize. For example, a person might see a job posting and doubt their potential (a form of imposter syndrome) or a potential romantic partner’s interest. Regardless of the form it takes, these feelings typically lead to negative expectations for an event’s outcome.

Most people will deal with low self-esteem occasionally, which is why prioritizing self-care is essential to achieve steady emotion regulation. When you feel adequate, you are more likely to realize your goals, gain self-worth, and be a beacon for others. Conversely, having a habitually negative sense of self can lead to mental health disorders, distance from loved ones, and overall worsened well-being.

There is no single cause for feelings of inadequacy. Instead, many factors might cause this mental block and emotional issue. Reasons might include:

1. 1. Dwelling on past mistakes: Focusing on the past makes it challenging to look forward to the future. When you think about past mistakes, you cloud your thinking with negative feelings that might hamper your growth or be embarrassing or triggering.
2. 2. Isolation: Being around others increases the chances of feeling secure and validated, so prolonged isolation can harm a person’s well-being and invite feelings of self-doubt.
3. 3. Perceived failure: If you focus on the negative aspects of your endeavors—personal, professional, romantic—as failures, then you never celebrate the lessons you’ve learned and the achievements you’ve unlocked.
4. 4. Unrealistic expectations: When a person repeatedly sets the bar too high and does not achieve what they set out to do, feelings of inadequacy can emerge. This person might think they are the problem, not the unrealistic expectations.

There are many different steps people can take to stop feeling inadequate. People need different kinds of validation and cope uniquely with personal inadequacy. Below are some ways to overcome this feeling:

• Be okay with imperfection. No one is perfect. Imperfections help you grow, and accepting them is a meaningful way to reclaim your potent adequacy.
• Find a supportive group. Reaching out to your network of peers, friends, and family members who can uplift you is one of the most natural ways to improve your confidence. Humans are associative creatures, and finding a community can give you purpose and help you build your self-esteem.
• Practice self-compassion. You must treat yourself with grace, both in your successes and difficulties. Practicing self-compassion means going easy on yourself, especially in challenging situations. Focus on the lessons you’ve learned to maintain a positive outlook.
• Seek professional assistance. If self-doubt becomes too strong and begins to affect your daily mood, work, and relationships, get in touch with a mental health professional to receive the care you need. Therapists can offer you tools to combat feelings of inadequacy and form healthy thought patterns to free your mind from cognitive distortions (negative thoughts).
• Set realistic goals. You will have an easier time succeeding if you set attainable goals. Your goals can be small: little goals can be the stepping stones to larger ones, and they can boost your confidence along the way.

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