When I Told Myself “I’m Not Enough”
Just a few weeks ago, I had a keynote in New York for more than 200 incredible professionals in the special education world — PTs, OTs, educators, and support staff. It was a new audience for me, and I felt the familiar tightening in my chest:
What if what I share isn’t enough?
What if I miss the mark? What if I don’t truly understand their world?
That story spiraled quickly. My anxiety raced. My confidence dipped.
Until I caught myself.
I reminded myself that I always prepare deeply. I always listen. I always ask the right questions. I don’t have to know everything — I just have to know the basics, bring value, and show up with intention.
So I flipped the script:
“I have value to give.”
And immediately, everything softened.
Here’s What I Learned:
This is exactly how the inner critic works:
It takes moments of growth or new challenges and turns them into fear and tells you that you’re not enough.
But this is what I learned:
Your preparation, your heart, your sincerity — that’s your evidence, that’s your value.
Women especially fall into the trap of believing they need to be experts in everything. But confidence doesn’t come from knowing it all… it comes from trusting your ability to figure it out, doing it anyway, and letting the result take care of itself.
This Weeks Mindset Fuel
A few things that help quiet the “not enough” story:
📘Book:
The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt - Russ Harris
Harris teaches that confidence isn’t the absence of fear — it’s taking action with fear by trusting your preparation and your values.
🎥Ted Talk:
Amy Cuddy — “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are”
Confidence comes from trusting yourself, not knowing everything. Cuddy explains how women often underestimate their competence, why we shrink in moments of expansion, and how small mindset shifts (“fake it till you become it”) can change the story you tell yourself.
🎧Podcast:
Overwhelmed Working Woman Podcast — Episode: 43 “Overcome imposter Syndrome with Leigh May.”
A thoughtful talk about how even when you’re capable you can still feel unqualified — highly relevant to the moment you described.
Fear Means It’s Go Time: Action Step
Write this down and repeat it three times this week:
“I have value to give.”
If this message hits home, you’ll love Module 1 of Crush the Inner Critic — it teaches you how to shift self-doubt into grounded confidence. You can join here: Crush the Inner Critic; Transforming Self Talk for Professional Success
If your story turned doubtful this week, you’re not alone — and you’re more capable than you think.
Courage Up
-Missy
You’re reading this because you chose to download my resource guide or subscribe to my newsletter. I’m so glad you’re here. My hope is that with each read, you walk away with tools that help you show up with more courage each week. I know your time is valuable, so I truly appreciate you being here and taking a few minutes to read this note—one I’ll be sending your way every Tuesday.
Want to learn more? Check out my website
& Missy West Speaker Website here. To make sure you keep getting these emails, can you add Missy@themissywest.com to your email contact list.
If you were forwarded this by a friend,
you can click here to get your own newsletter from me.
Business Address:
ORCA Leadership, LLC
PO Box 172116
Tampa FL 33672
