If I had to do bicep curls everytime I thought of my inadequacies, my arms would be ripped!!!
“Walking away from corporate America? You’re ruining your career! How are you going to explain to potential employers that you’ve been unemployed for a year because of a mission trip?”
“Wow, he’s so funny. He’s a great public speaker! But Jamal, you don’t speak as well as him though.”
“Don’t apply for that job. You’re not THAT qualified!”
“Your classmate is CEO already, what are you doing wrong?”
“Don’t apply for dental school. You’re not smart enough to get in.”
“You’re NOT a long-distance runner. Don’t sign up. Half-marathons are meant for ‘real runners.’ “
“I look better than [handsome guy], don’t I?”
“You’re pride and inconsistency…YUCK!”
“You’re still renting? You don’t own a house? All of your friends have houses.”
“You’re 30 and you’re still not married? What’s wrong?”
Rough huh!?
Well, there is it. That’s what my inadequacy often sounds like.
I know I’ve spoken all around the country, received plaques and awards, been recognized by companies as an “Up & Coming Leader.” And I know I do it with such confidence. But don’t be fooled, I wrestle with feeling inadequate just like the next person.
In fact, I can’t think of a time when I haven’t felt SUPER INADEQUATE about most things I’ve done in my life.
But thank God for letting me go-to-bat AGAIN and showing me GRACE!
So what about you? What does inadequacy sound like to you? Do you have any strategies to fight it? Am I the only one that feels this way?
I would REALLLLLY like some comments on this one (especially from the “I read but feel strange commenting” and the “commenting….it’s not really me” people.) Feel free to put “anonymous” as your name. I’d like to hear from you. TRULY!
