Do You Deal with Feelings of Inadequacy?
Let's be honest. We've all had feelings of not being good enough for something, someone and most of all -- ourselves. If you ask me, I believe that we are our own worst critics. (Cliché, but very true.) This negative behavior is the most prevalent when we decide to add a dash of spice into our sweet, simple daily routines. When we start something new in life such as embarking on an unpaved journey, learning a new skill or just simply stepping out of our comfort zone, feelings of inadequacy start to linger. Those feelings start out as a mere linger and then evolve into pure doubt once it latches onto your self-esteem. And now you’re stuck in a funk of feeling inadequate.
Big Question:
Here it comes: How do I deal with feelings of inadequacy? For the faint-hearted, I apologize in advance for my answer. If you’re ready for tough love, here it is: MAKE YOURSELF UNCOMFORTABLE! "Say whattt? Why would I do that?" Well, truthfully, it's going to be hard -- like cramming for several tests in one night for finals week hard. But, I find this process to be oh so liberating.
Here’s a Breakdown of My Story:
If you haven’t heard, there is a #HobbyLobbyChallenge that's gone viral. Photographers from all over the world are participating in it to showcase their skills. All you do is go into a store, take pictures of your models in the flower aisle, edit them and BAM!, they look as if their immersed in a garden of tropical flowers based out of a rain forest in South America. Sounds simple right?
I had the idea of trying the challenge but I told myself that my pictures could never look as good as the other photographers that participated because I literally bought a camera two months ago. But, I made myself uncomfortable, reached out to a friend and made it happen. I was so afraid that the pictures weren’t going to turn out great. The lighting was horrible -- we literally used the flashlights on IPhones -- and I just bought a new lens I barely practiced with. To my surprise, they were the BEST photos I’ve taken yet. Sadly, my photos didn’t get that much attention, but I knew that I had taken a chance that was worth it in the end. Yes, I was nervous, scared and intimidated but I put my poker face on, did my best and it paid off. You have to take your training wheels off at some point right? If you don't, you'll always be consumed by inadequacy.
What the #HobbyLobbyChallenge Taught Me:
3 words: GO FOR IT! If you don’t take a chance, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
Side note: Hobby Lobby was closed so we technically did the #MichaelsChallenge but it's the same thing! Make up by Sabrina Sharif
