Chapter 1: Understanding Self-Underestimation

Many individuals grapple with the issue of underestimating their abilities over extended periods, and I’m no exception. Here, I aim to share my reflections on this challenge and my strategies for addressing it.

In this struggle, I recognize that I am not alone, which helps mitigate some of the pressure I place on myself. Yet, I often find myself hastily jumping into new projects or abandoning one before giving it the attention it deserves.

Who is to blame for this? Is it society, my upbringing, the influence of social media, or simply myself? Perhaps it’s a combination of all these factors.

I’ve come to understand that merely acknowledging this issue may not suffice for a solution. The more I contemplate it, the clearer it becomes that a significant contributor to my impatience is my tendency to compare myself with others who seem to be much further along in their journeys.

Recognizing this tendency, I made the decision to delete my Instagram a few months back. However, I’m beginning to realize that this didn’t fully alleviate my comparison struggles. It seems to have become so ingrained that I hardly notice it anymore.

How can I address this?

I’m still uncertain, but I’ve set personal goals in the hopes that they will help diminish my tendency to compare myself to others.

Writing Consistently

I’ve started sharing some of my articles with a few close friends, and I recently published one on LinkedIn for the first time. I won’t sugarcoat it; posting my initial article on LinkedIn induced a wave of anxiety, especially knowing that professors and friends would see it and might even be taken aback.

I’ve never publicly identified as a writer, so this was a new territory for me. My previous writing experiences were limited to personal journaling. This shift to online writing feels foreign.

As a result, I occasionally experience impostor syndrome when discussing my work with acquaintances. At one point, I almost deleted my LinkedIn post promoting my article!

Fortunately, I understand impostor syndrome well enough to not let it prevent me from sharing my work. I also remind myself that stepping out of my comfort zone is essential for growth. I no longer want to remain stagnant; I am eager to evolve and truly flourish.

Thus, I aim to maintain consistency in my writing. I wish to focus less on monetary gains, statistics, or the quality of my content. Admittedly, there will be moments when I find myself fixating on metrics and yearning for more followers, but during those times, I remind myself of my core motivations for writing and redirect my attention to what truly matters.

Seeking Mentorship

It may sound unfortunate, but I’ve never had someone I felt comfortable approaching with all my concerns. While I have friends I confide in about certain issues, there are specific matters I keep to myself. For years, I’ve been the one people turn to for advice or to share their burdens.

This role doesn’t bother me; I find fulfillment in helping others. Perhaps my experience as an older brother plays a role in this perspective.

However, I often feel that the individuals I spend time with don’t fully grasp some of my challenges. Upon reflection, I realize that I lack a mentor who excels in the same areas I’m pursuing. I long for someone who can guide me through the unique hurdles I encounter.

I’m not quite sure how to find such a mentor, but I trust that the opportunity will present itself in due time.

Returning to Journaling

It has been a few months since I last journaled, and I admit, I feel a twinge of disappointment about it. I haven’t prioritized journaling in my morning routine lately.

I want to recommit to journaling to establish a clearer sense of direction regarding my daily objectives—not just through to-do lists, but by articulating my life priorities and aspirations for the week, month, or year.

Additionally, I miss the practice of listing three things I’m grateful for at the start of each entry. That was a cherished ritual I would like to revive.

Rest assured, I will return to it soon.

It seems straightforward, yet the simplest tasks are often the most overlooked.

Will I perpetually struggle with this, or can I eventually overcome my comparison syndrome?

I would greatly appreciate any advice you might have to share. If you’re interested in mentoring someone or just want to connect over shared passions, please reach out! I’m serious about building connections with individuals who are equally dedicated to achieving their goals.

Thank you for your time!

Chapter 2: The Impact of Underestimation

Exploring the concept of overestimating versus underestimating oneself can provide valuable insights into personal growth and self-acceptance.

Understanding the benefits of being underestimated can be a powerful motivator on your journey to self-improvement.