In a moment of transparency, I have had struggles with my past. Daddy issues, being a teenage mother, issues with self-control, anger, resentment, not making the smartest decisions with matters of the heart… the list goes on and on! Despite these challenges, I seemed to have developed a level of success and ability to adapt and overcome. But I realize that I am not alone in my struggles with accepting my past and my now, levels of success.

We all have experienced feelings of unworthiness at some point in our lives. Whether it is after a breakup, a job loss, or just a string of bad luck, these feelings can leave us feeling defeated and unsure of ourselves. For many of us, these feelings are compounded by the fact that we are African American. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we are not good enough, that we do not belong, and that we will never be successful. It is no wonder that so many of us struggle with feelings of unworthiness.

A significant amount of our feelings of unworthiness stem from our upbringing. We may have been told by our parents or other authority figures that we were not good enough, or that we would never amount to anything. These messages can stick with us for years and make it very difficult for us to believe in ourselves.

In addition to our upbringing, society also plays a role in how we feel about ourselves. The media is filled with images of what success looks like, and most of those images do not include people who look like us. This can lead us to feel like we are not worthy of success because we do not fit the mold that society has created. We live in a society that tells us that we need to be perfect to be successful. We see perfect people on TV, in movies, and in magazines, and we compare ourselves to them. Second, we live in a society that tells us that success is only for a lucky few. We see people who have won the lottery or inherited money, and we think that’s the only way to become successful. Finally, we live in a society that tells us that success is only about making money. We see people who have a lot of it and think that’s the only measure of success.

All of these messages can make us feel like we’re not good enough to be successful. But the truth is, everyone has their own definition of success. And no one is perfect. So if you’re feeling like you’re not worthy of success, remind yourself that everyone has their own definition of success and that no one is perfect.

Another reason why we may feel unworthy of success is because of our own personal experiences. We may have tried and failed at something in the past, or we may have been passed over for a promotion or opportunity that we felt we deserved. These experiences can leave us feeling discouraged and doubtful of our abilities.

How to Move Past These Feelings
If you’re feeling like you’re not worthy of success, there are a few things you can do to move past these feelings. First, remember that your worthiness is not tied to your achievements. You are worthy simply because you exist. Second, give yourself permission to be imperfect. It’s okay to make mistakes and it’s okay to be less than perfect. Third, focus on your personal definition of success. What does success mean to you? When you focus on your own definition of success, you’ll start to see that you are already successful. Fourth, celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Each accomplishment is a step closer to your goal and each one is worth celebrating. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive people who will help you achieve your goals. Find a community or group of friends who will lift you up when you’re feeling down and cheer you on as you strive for success.

No matter where our feelings of unworthiness come from, it is important to remember that we are worthy of success. We all have unique talents and gifts that make us special and valuable. Do not let your past define you, and do not let society dictate what you can and cannot achieve. Believe in yourself, and go after your dreams! Remember that feeling unworthy of success is normal and common. There are many reasons why we might feel this way, but it’s important to remember that our worthiness is not tied to our achievements and that everyone has their own definition of success. If you’re feeling like you’re not worthy of success, there are things you can do to move past these feelings. Focus on your personal definition of success, celebrate your accomplishments (no matter how small they may seem), and surround yourself with supportive people who will help you achieve your goals.