People often write about their feelings and experiences on social networks. I wrote an article about eight illusions that torment people and prevent them from living happily. Recently I came across another post on Facebook where the author wrote just one phrase: “I'm not good enough." This is another illusion and it is rather destructive. Let’s have a closer look at it.
First of all, we should ask a question: “Not good enough for what?”. If we are talking about a specific quality or skill then the solution is simple. Almost any skill can be learned and almost any quality can be developed. For example, if you lack knowledge, you need education. You can at least start reading on the topic. If you are not patient enough, then start working on this quality, cultivating patience.
However, the real problem arises when a person says the phrase "I'm not good enough" as a verdict. In other words, he claims that he is not good enough even for being good enough as a matter of principle. To put it differently, he believes that he's good for nothing; he is not good enough to be a human. This is the first and the greatest illusion. And this illusion is immediately followed by the second one: “Other people are good enough and therefore they are successful, loved, and respected. And finally, the third illusion arises: “People are successful, loved, and respected, and therefore they are happy”. Each of these illusions can be dispelled.
Illusion #1: I'm not good enough to be a human.
If a person believes that he is good for nothing then he should look at nature and the world around him. Is it possible to imagine a mouse that is not good enough to be a mouse or a lion that is not good enough to be a lion? There is nothing superfluous in nature, and each creature corresponds to itself, its essence, and its functions. If a spider could not be a spider, it would not exist in the first place. Being a spider corresponds to the "expectations" of nature about what a spider should be. And a man is no exception. He is no worse than a spider, a mouse, or a lion. He is what he should be like all other creatures. But what is he? I declare that he is a new force of evolution. He is a sentient being with an active mind and free will. And if he wants to be strong, kind, honest, fair, courageous, strong-willed, and faithful (we can extend the list), then nothing in the world can stop him. He can be like that because that's the way he's supposed to be. A man is a new force of evolution because, unlike animals who live from the world, he can live for the world. He is capable of giving, improving, sharing, supporting, protecting, and much more. Nature expects more from us and it has given us everything from the very birth to achieve it. We are sentient beings because we are capable of it. Every person is like that without exception. And if someone claims that he is not like that then he is lying to himself. Perhaps he is afraid to be like that or he does not want to. But as soon as he wants, he will be because that's his nature; he is good enough to be human a priori.
Illusion #2: Other people are good enough and therefore they are successful, loved, and respected.
It is not always the case. In other words, if a person corresponds to himself, if he wants and tries to be strong, kind, honest, fair, courageous, strong-willed, and faithful (we can extend the list), then many people dislike it. Thus, very often it’s quite the opposite just because being better doesn't mean living better. And, unfortunately, we often have to choose between conscience and success (money, career growth, achievements, etc.), and this is not normal. This is the result of our failure to be what we should be. All the misfortunes and sufferings of the world are created by people. However, we can change it and we should start with ourselves. All good achievements always start with just one person. And the time will come when more and more people will understand who they are, and why they were created by nature.
Illusion #3: People are successful, loved, and respected, and therefore they are happy.
Perhaps some of these people think they are happy. But their happiness is illusory. If a power-seeker loses his power, a miser loses his money, and a careerist cannot continue his career, then they will lose themselves because they are empty inside. They never had true happiness. True happiness is not consumerism, but the light that comes from a person when he corresponds to himself. Happiness is when you live for the world and do not rob it; when you love and do not devour love and do not demand it; when you are free to say “no” to yourself for a good cause; when you feel that you are who you should be. Happiness is when you remain humane despite everything bad, and no one and nothing can force you to give it up. Happiness is realizing that you are “good enough” once you have chosen to be that way. And this happiness cannot be taken away, destroyed, or lost. It comes from the very essence of our nature.
A person can draw the right conclusions. He can find his essence and see it. He can change himself and the world. He can stand up for true happiness that does not depend on money, power, or vices. He can make the world a better place for himself and others. So, don't listen to anyone who says otherwise; be strong, good, and happy.