Why Am I Not Good At Anything? Reasons and 15 Helpful Tips

‘I am not good at anything.’ It has got to be the most hopeless thing ever, right?

It happens when a person feels so low that they cannot shake it off. Did you know that according to Psychology Today, 85% of the world’s population struggles with self-esteem and confidence? It means that most people feel like they are not good enough.

These statistics are staggering! But on the bright side, it shows that we are not alone.

So, why do so many people feel they are not good enough? Let’s discuss.

10 Reasons Behind Not-So-Good Feelings About Yourself!

You can feel this emotion for many reasons, such as:

1. Negative Self-Comparison

Social media showcasing everyone’s highlight reels makes it easy to feel worthless.

Seeing others’ achievements and thinking, “Why am I not as good as them?” can lead to feelings of worthlessness.

You scroll through Instagram and see your friend’s perfect vacation photos, another friend’s promotion announcement, and someone else’s beautiful artwork. You start thinking, “Why can’t I be like them?”

2. Unrealistic Expectations

Setting extremely high standards for yourself can set you up for failure.

You aim to get straight A’s in every subject, but when you get a B, you feel like a failure, ignoring the fact that B is still a good grade.

3. Lack of Recognition

Sometimes, not receiving acknowledgment for your efforts can make you feel invisible and unappreciated. It is hard to feel competent when no one seems to notice your hard work.

You put in extra hours at work, but your boss never seems to notice or appreciate your efforts. You start thinking, “What’s the point if no one cares?”

4. Past Failures

Dwelling on past mistakes and failures can overshadow your present and future. It’s tough to see your worth when all you remember are the failed times.

You recall when you tried to start a business but failed.

Read: 10 Effective Tips to Get Your Mind Off Of Something!

5. Critical Inner Voice

An overly critical inner voice can erode your self-esteem. You make a small mistake at work, and your inner voice starts saying, “You are so stupid. You can’t do anything right.”

6. Perfectionism

The desire to be perfect is paralyzing. If you believe anything less than perfect is worthless, it is easy to feel like you’re not good at anything.

You want to draw a perfect picture, but because you can’t get it just right, you end up thinking you are terrible at art.

7. Lack of Support

It is simple to feel lost and alone when you don’t have a strong support system. Friends and family support can be quite helpful in developing confidence.

You want to pursue a new hobby, but your family dismisses it as a waste of time. You start doubting your interests and abilities.

8. Mental Health Issues

Depression and anxiety can distort your perception of yourself. They can make you feel worthless and amplify feelings of inadequacy.

Even when you achieve something meaningful, your depression tells you it’s not enough.

9. Unfulfilled Potential

Sometimes, knowing you have potential but feeling unable to fulfill it can be frustrating.

You know you have a talent for music, but due to various circumstances, you never pursue it seriously. You feel like you have wasted your potential.

10. Fear of Failure

Fear of failing can stop you from trying new things. This can make you feel like you are not good at anything because you are not giving yourself a chance to succeed.

You want to try out for the school play, but the fear of not getting a role stops you. You tell yourself, “I’m probably not good at acting anyway.”

15 Tips to Help Yourself When You Think I Am Not Good At Anything!

Here are some beneficial tips to turn to when you feel down:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

First, it’s okay to feel this way. Everyone has down days. Accepting your emotions is the first step to getting past them.

Say to yourself, “I feel like I’m not good at anything right now, and that’s okay. Even Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, but he kept going.”

2. Talk to Someone You Trust

Talking to a friend, family member, or counselor can really help. They can give you emotional help and maybe even help you see things differently.

3. List Your Achievements

Seeing your achievements on paper can help you remember what you’re good at.

You can tell yourself, “I helped my friend with their homework. I made a great meal last week. I finished a book.”

4. Identify Your Interests

Think about what you enjoy doing. Often, we are good at things we love. Write down your hobbies or things that make you happy.

“I like drawing, playing soccer, and cooking. Maybe I’m good at these things.”

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Start with small goals that you can complete easily. Doing these will make you feel more confident and like you accomplished something.

“This week, I’ll draw one picture. Next week, I’ll try to cook a new recipe.”

6. Try New Things

Trying new activities can help you discover new talents. Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with something you have never done before.

“I will try playing the piano. Who knows, maybe I’ll like it and be good at it.”

7. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own journey and skills. Focus on your own progress and growth.

J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book was rejected 12 times. If she had given up, we wouldn’t have been blessed by the greatest magical story of our times. Goosebumps… right?

8. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself like you would speak to a friend who is feeling down.

Tell yourself: “It is okay to feel this way. I am giving my 100% best, and that is completely enough for me.”

9. Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback from people you trust.

Ask your bestfriend: “Can you tell me what you think of my drawing? What do you like about it, and how can I make it better?”

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate your small successes. Understanding these can boost your confidence and motivation.

11. Reflect on Past Challenges

Think of the difficult situations you have faced in the past and the ways you have overcome them. This can remind you of your strengths and skills.

For example: “I remember when I struggled with math, but I worked hard and improved my grades. I can do it again.”

12. Take Care of Your Well-being

Taking good care of your body and mind can improve your general well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise.

You can make a pledge: “I will start going for a walk every day. It will help me clear my mind and feel better.”

13. Learn Continuously

Keep learning new things. This can help you find new interests and improve your skills.

For example: “I have always wanted to learn Spanish. I’ll start with a few words each day.”

14. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Positive friends and family can help you see your strengths and stay motivated.

15. Be Patient with Yourself

Personal growth takes time.

Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job but did not give up. If she had, she wouldn’t become such a sensation, right? You shouldn’t give up on yourself as well.

Get in Touch With a Mindset Coach!

Low self-esteem can never make you move forward in life. You need to give yourself some credit, and if you cannot, get the help of a mindset coach. Positive Realist provides you with the best life coaching services in Las Vegas.