Feelings of inadequacy can be a belief that we aren’t as proficient as our coworkers, as funny as our friends, or as athletic as our peers.
Avoid comparisons
Research shows that we often evaluate outcomes through comparisons with others.
This comparison is natural and it’s frequently the root of negative feelings.
Comparisons can lead to low self-confidence and a warped view of one’s skills.
With the rise of social media, comparing ourselves to others has become even easier, as many details of our lives are on the internet for everyone to see.
It is hard to measure yourself against another person—someone who experiences different thoughts, feelings, and challenges.
Knowing that you are enough regardless of how you compare yourself to the people around you can be vital to your self-confidence.
Remember that we are moving at our own pace and paths.
Focus on yourself and your journey along with people who can help you take steps toward self-improvement and a greater sense of self-worth.
Develop new skills
If negative feelings about yourself are related to your perception of your abilities, consider ways you can learn new skills or hone existing ones.
Building new skills can help you feel confident in your capacity to face challenges, whether they’re related to work, school, relationships, or other facets of life.
For example, feeling inadequate could keep you from advancing your career if you realize you haven’t yet developed the skills required for some positions.
However, if you start developing those skills, you could find that your self-perception changes, and more confidence in sending out applications and increasing the likelihood you’ll land a job.
If you notice that you’re feeling negative about yourself in a specific area of your life, think about whether there are steps you can take toward self-improvement in that area.
Skill-building can be helpful as you work toward rising above these negative feelings.
Remind yourself of your strengths
Often, we become so focused on areas we’d like to improve that we ignore the things we already bring to the table.
Sometimes, when you are feeling inadequate, focusing on your strengths can be helpful.
Your specific strong suits may pertain to your job, hobbies, or connections with loved ones.
Do you have a musical or artistic talent that can lift people’s spirits? Are you good at fixing things?
Focusing on your strengths and remembering positive things about yourself can keep feelings of not being good enough at bay.