“We are always looking for something, searching for something, longing for something; and we have not found it and we continue to run. Running and searching has become a habit, because the wonders of life are only available in the present moment.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
In my 20’s I recall feeling that my wildest dreams were there for the taking, if I just put my mind to them. So why do I judge myself so harshly and feel as if I’m not good enough; or that I am unworthy of the things that I want most from my life? Why at times, do I feel like I am failing?
It seems that with the promise of greatness, comes high expectations. So often, expectations are carried by those around us, not ourselves, though it can be hard to tell the difference.
We are all desperately searching for answers. I have had the privilege of living in different locations and each time I felt my priorities rapidly shift to finding the most lucrative job I could land in an uncertain market.
I struggled with the paradox: to ‘dream big’, yet live with the paralysing pressure of my own internal and external expectations; to follow my heart’s desires, but make sure I live according to society’s cookie-cutter version of success that we have all been raised to chase relentlessly and measure ourselves against.
Is anyone else with me in thinking this adds up to madness?
No wonder we’re all struggling with anxiety, low self-confidence and the misery of social comparison! I believe comparison is the thief of joy.
Regardless of where we are at the moment, we are a work in progress. We should accept what we cannot change and remember that we are beautiful, worthy and amazing as we are.
When we embrace our quirkiness, we lay the foundation for self-acceptance and self-love and we develop a sense of independence and a quiet confidence that we can handle whatever life throws at us.
I'd love to help you become your own hero at work. If you have any questions or would just like to say hello, find me at charmaine@theconfidence2bu.com
For details on the career coaching services available to you, visit www.theconfidence2bu.com/coaching
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