being enough vs becoming enough

it’s never enough and that’s okay

As we dive deeper into inner work, we often hear about the importance of recognizing that we are enough. Many of our self-sabotage and anxieties stem from the belief that we are not inherently good or enough.

For a long time, I used to think, "If I just believe I'm enough, my problems would disappear." Initially, it allowed me to treat myself with more compassion and self-love. However, I’ve found it hard to fully embrace the idea that I’m enough and just be content with life.

For those of us who’ve relied on the nagging feeling of inadequacy as a strong motivating force in life, it's tough to let it go because it’s a big part of who we are. On one hand it it empowers me with growth mindset and keeps my ego in check. On the other hand, it often leaves me feeling unsatisfied with what I have

In addition, we aren’t evolutionarily wired to be easily satisfied. Imagine our ancestors, those who sat back, content and relaxed, were probably not the ones who got to live and pass down their genes.

Trying to force the idea of "hey, you should feel like you are enough" is ironically the opposite of the idea. It creates an "ideal state" and implies that our current state of wanting more is "not enough.”

Yes, inherently, we are enough. I can accept that and live a safe life. But if I want to be great at what I’m pursuing, I’m definitely not enough yet. Rejecting the state of insufficiency denies us what our hearts truly want. It suffocates the joy out of the journey.

A first-year med student is definitely “not enough” to perform a complete surgery. It’s just part of the developmental process. Embracing this doesn't mean a lack of self-love; instead, it's a recognition of our potential and the ambition to fulfill it.

Feeling like you are not enough is okay. It’s about finding ways to come to terms with the not-enoughness. Recognize and honor your ambition. Be patient towards the pursuit of improvement.

You don’t have to be enough. Becoming enough is enough.