Why do some people feel the need to tell us we're not good enough?
Here's a topic that’s super close to my heart. Let’s talk about feeling “good enough.” In our Insta-perfect world, it's so easy to feel like we’re constantly falling short. Whether it's at work, in our social circles, or just life in general, the pressure to be amazing at everything can be totally overwhelming. So, let’s break down these feelings of inadequacy and figure out how to kick them to the curb.
Feel The Burn
For so many of us, the pressure to be perfect is seriously real. We’re expected to juggle everything – from demanding roles at home to smashing it at Uni or work, all while keeping our social life on fire. Society acts like we should be able to do it all, effortlessly and with a smile plastered on our faces.
Work and Academic Pressures
In the workplace or at Uni, the stakes always seem high. We’re told to work harder, stay later, and always be on our A-game. The fear of failure is real, making us question if we’re even good enough. We worry that if we don’t hit these crazy high expectations, people will think we’re slackers.
Take my mate Emma, for example. She’s a young professional in finance and absolutely killing it. But despite her stellar performance, she always feels like she’s not doing enough. She’s constantly staying late, taking work home, and missing out on weekends. But no matter how much she crushes it, that feeling of not being good enough just won’t go away.
Social Media = Unrealistic Expectations
And then there’s social media – the ultimate double-edged sword. Platforms like Instagram bombard us with images of perfection. We see influencers with flawless skin, amazing bodies, and wardrobes that never end. It’s hard not to compare ourselves and feel like we’re not worthy.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards
The pressure to meet these unrealistic beauty standards can be intense. We’re told we need the perfect bod, clear skin, and a meticulously curated lifestyle. But let’s be real, these images are often heavily edited and staged, giving us totally unattainable standards.
Think about it – we follow fitness models and beauty influencers, trying to emulate their routines, diets, and looks. But the reality is, a lot of these images are the result of good lighting, professional photography, and a whole lot of P-Shop.
FOMO
And let’s not forget about FOMO – the fear of missing out. Social media makes it feel like everyone else is living their best life while we’re stuck in a dirty ditch (and I don't mean Shoreditch lol). We see friends travelling the world, hitting up fab events, and chasing their dreams. It’s hard not to feel left behind.
The Impact of FOMO
FOMO can leave us in a constant state of dissatisfaction and anxiety. We start questioning our choices and feeling like we’re not doing enough. We push ourselves to keep up, often at the expense of our mental and physical health.
Take Sophie, for instance. Soph is a diamond gal but spends hours scrolling through social media, envying everyone's glamorous lives. She feels this constant pressure to be out and about, attending events, and networking. This relentless pursuit of social validation leaves her exhausted and disconnected from what she truly wants.
The Chase is Real
In addition to beauty and social pressures, there’s the relentless pursuit of success. We’re told that we need to be rich, successful, and influential. The hustle culture glorifies overworking and burnout as badges of honour.
Unrealistic Expectations of Success
The expectation to be constantly grinding can leave us feeling inadequate. We see entrepreneurs on social media showcasing their success stories, making us feel like we’re not achieving enough. The pressure to have it all – the career, the lifestyle, the influence – can be overwhelming.
Let’s talk about Mia, a young entrepreneur friend who started her own fashion brand. Despite her hard work and passion, she’s always comparing herself to more established brands on social media. She feels the pressure to scale quickly and flaunt her success, which often leaves her feeling stressed and not good enough.
The Solution: Self-Belief + Self-Chi = Self-Love
It's all me, me, me, and so it should be. Now that we’ve unpacked these pressures, let’s chat about how to combat them. The solution lies in believing in yourself, practising self-care, and finding balance.
Believe in Yourself
First off, it’s essential to believe in yourself. Recognise that you are enough just as you are. Your worth isn’t determined by your job title, your social media following, or your physical appearance. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and remember that everyone’s journey is unique.
Self-Care
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Incorporate self-care Chi practices into your routine, like:
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breath and being present in the moment.
- Exercise: Find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine. Focus on strengthening your mind while you workout.
- Journaling: The Notes app on my phone is full of random thoughts, dreams, things I've heard people say and sometimes just silly shit. But it works. Write down your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity and perspective. Come back to them weeks, months later and see how you're feeling now. You'll be amazed how much progress you've made.
Balancing Your Chi
At HotChi, we believe in the power of Chi – the vital life force that flows through all of us. Balancing your Chi can help you achieve a sense of harmony and wellbeing. Our Mood Boosting Facial Oils are a perfect way to incorporate Chi-enhancing practices into your daily routine.
How HotChi Products Can Help:
- Self-Acupressure: Use HotChi’s “Slay All Day” facial oil during acupressure sessions to amplify the calming effects.
- Breathing Techniques: Enhance deep breathing exercises with HotChi’s “Run The Show” facial oil for a more relaxing experience.
- Facial, Head, and Neck Massage: Incorporate HotChi’s “Shake It Up” facial oil into your massage routine for added relaxation.
- Meditation and Positive Thinking: Apply HotChi’s “Bring Your Fire” facial oil to your temples and wrists before meditating to help you stay centred and focused.
- Aromatherapy: Diffuse essential oils from HotChi’s range in your home or office to create a calming environment.
- Healthy Skincare: Incorporate HotChi’s facial oils into your skincare routine to nourish your skin and boost your mood.
Final Thoughts
Ladies, remember that you are enough. The pressures to excel at work, conform to unrealistic beauty standards, and achieve overnight success are immense, but they do not define your worth. Take a step back, breathe, and embrace self-care and balance. Incorporate HotChi’s Mood Boosting Facial Oils into your daily rituals to enhance your wellbeing and help you find harmony.
You’ve got this. Stay radiant, stay confident, and let your inner glow shine through with HotChi.
