Don’t measure up? Here’s what you can do.

Whether it’s life, love or work there are certain times when we feel that we’re not good enough. It will make you feel alienated, insecure, self-conscious and sad.

Here’s the thing, most of the time this feeling is a figment of our imagination. To your friends, family and co-workers you’re better than just okay— you’re fantastic! But it’s hard convincing ourselves of that, no matter what others tell us.

We are incredibly judgmental and impatient with ourselves and far more forgiving and kind with others. Feelings of fear or insecurity are normal especially if we are undergoing changes in our life but don’t let it hold you back from reaching your potential.

Here are five things you can do to make those unproductive and useless thoughts go away:

1. Accept your mistakes. You’ve made a mistake. So has everyone else. In fact, I can guarantee that you’ll make a whole lot more. That’s just part of life. Get up, dust yourself off, evaluate the situation, learn from it and move one.
2. Stop playing the comparison game. You’re not as pretty, smart or experienced as the person standing next to you. Okay—so what? Their accomplishments are out of your control. Focus on setting your own benchmarks. “If you’re always trying to be normal you’ll never know how amazing you can be.” Maya Angelou
3. Own it. Identify your strengths and own them like it’s no one’s business. Become a specialist in your field. Know your weaknesses but truly focus on the things that make you shine. In a Forbes article, the writer states: “You only have limited resources. You need to maximize your potential.”
4. Feed your curiosity and learn. Things are ever-evolving; make sure you’re on the leading edge. By knowing new things you are bringing new perspectives to your workplace and relationships. Warren Buffett reads 500 pages a day to continually build his knowledge. This article is one page. You’ve got 499 pages to go.
5. Get out there. Don’t over-think your problems or faults. The worst thing to do is retreat into your shell. Pull yourself out and do something. Meet new people or better yet give back. The best way to help yourself is to help others.

At the end of the day, always carry yourself with grace and integrity. Be proud of who you are because there’s no one else like you. And remember, be kind to yourself and be kind to others we are all going through our own inner struggles.

“After all, tomorrow is another day.”
-Scarlett O’Hara, Gone with the Wind.