The Psychology of Self-Doubt: Why You Never Feel “Good Enough”

Have you ever achieved a milestone, received praise, or checked off a major goal, only to feel… empty? Maybe you looked around and thought, Why doesn’t this feel like enough? Why don’t I feel like enough?

Self-doubt is a persistent shadow that follows many of us, regardless of our achievements. It whispers questions we can’t ignore: Am I good enough? What if I fail? What if they find out I’m not as capable as they think?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Self-doubt is a universal experience, yet few of us truly understand why it happens—or how to overcome it. Let’s delve into the psychology behind this feeling and uncover why even the most successful people struggle to believe in themselves.

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The Origins of Self-Doubt: A Deep-Rooted Psychological Struggle

1. The Pressure of Unrealistic Expectations