Introduction

Hey there, welcome to Therapy Connections, the podcast where we dive into the real stuff therapists talk about and offer you insights, skills, and ideas to help you feel better. While this isn’t a substitute for traditional therapy, it can be a handy tool for keeping your mental health in check between sessions. Thanks for tuning in!

The Ubiquitous Intrusive Thought

Today, we’re tackling a topic that hits close to home for many of us: intrusive thoughts. Specifically, we’re zooming in on one that tends to haunt us all: “I’m not good enough.” You know the one – it creeps in during moments of self-doubt, whispering that we fall short, that we’re somehow lacking.

Identifying the Thought Patterns

I’ve seen this thought plague numerous individuals, myself included. It’s like a persistent shadow, lurking in the corners of our minds, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of vulnerability. And it can manifest in various scenarios, from feeling inadequate at work or in relationships to doubting our parenting skills or academic achievements.

Understanding the Impact

It’s a sneaky little monster that feeds into our anxiety and, as my colleague pointed out, can even pave the way for feelings of depression. It’s like a double whammy for our mental well-being.

Challenging Core Beliefs

But here’s the thing: this belief isn’t set in stone. It’s what we call a core belief in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – one of those deeply ingrained notions about ourselves that we accept as gospel truth. And trust me, I get it. Challenging this belief feels like trying to argue with gravity. But through therapy, I’ve learned that it’s possible to rewrite this narrative.

Rewriting the Narrative

CBT teaches us to challenge these core beliefs by seeking evidence to the contrary. And while it may seem like an uphill battle, it’s worth the climb. Because the truth is, we all have moments of doubt. We all wrestle with feelings of inadequacy. But that doesn’t mean they define us.

Embracing Imperfection

It’s like my colleague said, we need to change the rules of the game. Instead of striving for some unattainable standard of perfection, why not aim for okay-ness? Why not embrace the idea that being average isn’t a failure, but a victory in itself?

Practicing Self-Compassion

It’s a shift in perspective, a reimagining of what it means to be “good enough.” And it starts with acknowledging our own worth, independent of external validation. It’s about being kinder to ourselves, cutting ourselves some slack, and recognizing that we’re all just doing the best we can with what we have.

Conclusion

So the next time that voice in your head tells you you’re not good enough, challenge it. Ask yourself, what would make me okay? And then strive for that. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and give yourself permission to be imperfectly human.

Because here’s the secret: you are good enough, just as you are. And it’s time to start believing it. Learn more on our full Youtube podcast episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DiNjUA1Oog&t=3s