Not a day goes by when I don't talk with someone who's feeling like they don't fit in,
Whether it's with their co-workers,
Family,
Friends,
Or within their chosen community.
There seems to be a surge of imposter syndrome going around and to be honest with you,
I've experienced this too.
Maybe you feel like you didn't go to the right school,
Get the right training,
Or just feel a lack in overall confidence.
We live in a highly competitive world and you may be continuously striving to achieve and still feel you're falling short of your goals.
Even when you do feel confident in your achievements,
It may feel there's even more pressure to keep bringing your A-game,
Outperforming even your most recent success.
This never-ending challenge to keep being better,
Quicker,
Smarter,
Takes a toll on even the most confident person.
But remember,
We all feel this from time to time.
No one is perfect in this world that curates perfectionism for all to see.
With just a scroll through your social media apps and holding yourself to such high standards,
It's not only unrealistic but draining on your psyche too.
So how do you move through this sense of being not good enough?
Practically speaking,
Take stock of what has the most meaning in your life.
If you aspire to be the next best chef or make Forbes 30 under 30 list,
Be prepared to give up some inner peace.
However,
If you want to live a balanced life and succeed in your chosen field,
Great news,
It's doable.
Start by making a list of what is non-negotiable in your life.
What are the things that you absolutely cannot and will not edit out of your life on a daily basis?
Those rituals that allow you to fill yourself with a sense of presence,
Joy,
And well-being.
Maybe it's getting a solid seven or eight hours of sleep or hitting the gym every day.
Maybe you feel alive when you're cooking for your family or enjoying your morning coffee outdoors and watching the sunrise.
There are so many rituals we have in place that offer us a boost in our life force and raise our vibration.
They help us be productive,
Creative,
Happy beings,
And they are not to be judged or removed from your life.
They bring balance.
And while there are fewer hours in a day than you may need to hold true to your non-negotiables,
Being flexible in how you work them into your day may actually make you a far more productive person.
It'll definitely make you a more responsive and less reactive one.
So you like to write in your journal before breakfast,
But you have an early appointment and snoozed your along.
Don't beat yourself up about this.
Instead,
Make time at lunch and create a note on your phone as a supplemental journal entry.
Be creative with how you approach your non-negotiables.
If everything competes for your attention between 6 and 10 a.
M.
,
You're not alone.
Of course,
You can't meditate and go for a run.
Although movement does have a meditative quality,
Maybe modify your morning with a walking meditation.
The important point is to maintain those rituals that lift your spirit and support you in life.
And while this may not make you feel more confident,
It may build your confidence in how you care for yourself.
This in turn will allow you to see how capable you really are.
And remember,
Be flexible and kind.
Are you caught up in getting a handle on new changes in your schedule?
Maybe eating a healthy breakfast has been replaced with a quick granola bar before an early meeting.
This isn't a problem.
Step back.
Let your creativity flow.
You may benefit from switching your approach and getting your much-needed you time in your day.
And you may even discover new and more fulfilling ways that become part of your self-care toolbox.
So remember,
Take stock of what rituals lift you up and bring you joy.
Be creative in how you approach including them into your day.
And always be flexible and kind towards yourself.
Be well.
