Nothing I Do Is Ever Good Enough. Should I Just Stop Trying?

Depression has affected my self-esteem lately, making me feel like nothing I do is ever good enough. These days, I often have this question at the top of my mind: Should I just stop trying and give up? Sometimes, I feel I should keep going anyway; at other times, I am convinced I need a break. Tired of this conflict, I decided to write about it. Here's what I realized about thinking nothing I do is good enough.

Why Am I Feeling As if Nothing I Do Is Good Enough? 

Despite my best efforts, things haven't been going my way since the beginning of this year. Virtually everything is falling apart -- whether it's my physical health or work life. Initially, I attributed my setbacks to a bad phase. However, one can only blame luck and circumstances to a certain extent. After some time, I began to blame myself. Once the blame set in, frustration came along, and finally, depression showed up (and hasn't left). Depression often affects my self-esteem, so for the past two weeks, I have been feeling as if nothing I do is ever good enough. 

How I Plan to Deal with the Feeling That Nothing I Do Is Good Enough

Feeling like nothing I do is good enough is incredibly disheartening and isn't something I would wish on my worst enemy. As I write this post, I can see that I am tired of trying and need a break to recover from the issues I have been actively dealing with since January 2024. Therefore, I have decided to stop pushing myself to keep moving forward and take a break to focus on self-care instead. My decision may seem cowardly because society has conditioned us to keep going no matter how tired and broken we are. But as my therapist says, prioritizing wellbeing is one of the most courageous things a person can do, especially when feeling like nothing I do is good enough.

If you or someone you know is struggling with similar feelings, know this: you are not alone. Life is far from easy, and it's only human to get overwhelmed sometimes. Overwhelm can cause depression, and depression can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It's okay to pause and take a break, and it's crucial to show yourself the same compassion you would offer to a friend in need. Most importantly, remember that you are worthy -- irrespective of your achievements and failures.

By accepting my need for rest and acknowledging that I do not need to do anything to prove my worth, I'm taking proactive steps to build my self-esteem and stop thinking that nothing I do is good enough. And I hope, for your sake, you will follow suit. Because as cheesy as it may sound, trying is good enough.