How many times have you said to yourself, “Wow I suck?”

When I was younger I played basketball, soccer, and softball. I was a cheerleader, I played the piano, I took singing lessons, I learned how to play the guitar, and I spent hours drawing, writing, and creating. None of this lasted long and I can’t blame it on a lack of interest, because I just didn’t feel like I was good enough. Comparing yourself is nothing but harmful. I remember that, as I was drawing in class, I’d constantly look at other people’s work and the negative thoughts just rushed through my mind. I felt as though I was talent-less, but little did I know that passion is the driving point of success and you don’t have to be the best to be successful.

“The best” means different things to everyone. To some people, life is a competition and in my opinion, people with that mindset will never be mentally successful because their focus is entirely on themselves. You don’t need to gain approval from others. I believe that “the best” means being content with yourself, working to the best of your ability, and being happy with it. A huge part of being successful is being able to be proud and happy for others as well.

Nobody is perfect. No one. Others may seem as though they have their lives together, but it’s more likely than not that they are just as uncertain as you are. When you open up to people, you are introduced to a whole other side of something they aren’t used to sharing. You meet their vulnerable and sensitive sides just to find out that most people share the same insecurities as you.

There’s a gift within imperfection, and once you find it, you’ll never fail. Encourage yourself to be confident in your passions and don’t let it go because you don’t feel good enough. I promise you, you are.