Time for a guided visualization exercise: how to stop feeling like you're not enough. Maybe you've felt it before. You finish one big project… Only to immediately start thinking about the next one. You reach the goal… But somehow, it still doesn't feel like enough.
Maybe you've spent years being the dependable one.
- The one everyone counts on.
- The one who quietly carries more than anyone realizes.
Maybe you've even worn the label proudly...
High Performer.
And there's absolutely nothing wrong with ambition. There is nothing wrong with wanting to build meaningful things. To make a difference. To create. To leave the world a little better than you found it.
Ambition is a beautiful thing.
- It helps us grow.
- It helps us serve others.
- It helps us become who we're capable of being.
But somewhere along the way...
Ambition quietly accepted a job it was never meant to have.
Instead of simply helping you create… it began deciding whether you were worthy.
Whether you'd done enough. Whether you'd become enough. And that's an impossible job. Because there will always be another goal. Another mountain to climb. Another finish line waiting just beyond the horizon.
So today...
- I don't want to invite you to become less ambitious.
- I want to invite you into a new relationship with ambition.
One where your work reflects your values...
- Instead of determining your value.
One where you still create extraordinary things...
- But you no longer ask today's accomplishments to tell you who you are.
Let's explore that together.
And so… to kick off the month, today is another guided visualization episode, which we release on the first Tuesday of every month this season. So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers.
Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to stop feeling like you’re not enough.
Before we get started, here are a few things that you’ll need to do in order to get the most out of this.
1. Create a safe space - no distractions or interruptions
First off, you’ll need to create a safe space where you won’t be distracted or interrupted… and also, keep in mind that during this exercise, you’ll have your eyes closed. So yeah, probably not best to do this one while driving.
Silence your phone notifications… The world can wait for the next few minutes.
Then, get comfortable in a seated position or lying down, if that feels better. You get to decide. As with all visualization and breathing exercises we do together this year, you always get to decide what is best for you… take what you need and release the rest.
Okay, now close your eyes or avert your gaze to the ground.
2. Take 3 intentional breaths together with me
Let’s take three intentional, life-affirming breaths.
- Deep breath in through the nose, expand the belly, hold at the top, and then slowly release through the mouth. (Do this three times.)
Now, let your breathing come back to a normal pace, whatever feels right for you.
3. Do a body scan and feel your feet
It’s time to do a body scan… Imagine you’re slowly scanning your body from the top of your head… down past your shoulders…Through your arms… to your fingertips… All the way down your torso, hips, legs, and toes.
Notice any sensations — maybe tightness, softness, warmth, heaviness.
No judgment.
Nothing to fix.
Just noticing.
Once you’re at your feet, really take notice of what it feels like to have your feet make contact with the ground. To be firmly rooted down, the safety and security of that sensation. What do your feet feel like right now?
4. Time to visualize - How to stop feeling like you’re not enough.
I want you to imagine that you're standing on a quiet street, just as the sun is beginning to rise.
The morning air feels cool against your skin. The world hasn't fully awakened yet.
Everything feels still.
Peaceful.
Unhurried.
Breathe.
In front of you stands a beautiful old brick building. Tall windows stretch toward the sky. Golden morning light spills gently through the glass. You notice the faint smell of cedar wood… Fresh paint… And canvas.
Above the door hangs a simple wooden sign.
It reads...
The Studio.
For a moment, you simply stand there. You don't know exactly why you've come. Only that something deep inside you knew… This was where you needed to be today.
Breathe.
You begin walking toward the door.
Your footsteps are slow. Unforced. Almost as if time itself has softened. You wrap your hand around the worn brass handle. Take one slow breath in… And gently open the door.
Warm light pours across the wooden floor. The room is quiet. Not empty. Peaceful. Alive.
This isn't just an artist's studio.
This is your studio.
The place where your life has been quietly unfolding...
One brushstroke at a time.
As your eyes begin to adjust, you notice something extraordinary. Sunlight dances across dozens of canvases. Some are enormous. Others are quite small. Some are framed. Others rest quietly on easels.
You slowly begin walking through the room. And that's when you realize… These aren't just paintings.
They are moments from your life.
Breathe.
One canvas captures your childhood.
Another...
Your very first job.
Another reminds you of a season that stretched you beyond what you thought you could handle.
You see moments of celebration.
Moments of heartbreak.
Moments of uncertainty.
Moments of joy.
Some paintings are filled with vibrant colors. Others are softer. Some are finished. Others remain beautifully unfinished.
Breathe.
As you continue walking, you notice something unexpected.
None of these paintings have been judged.
There are no report cards.
No rankings.
No gold stars.
No labels that say...
Success.
Failure.
Ahead.
Behind.
Winning.
Losing.
None of them.
They're simply...
Pieces of a life.
Each one carries its own beauty. Its own lesson. Its own season. You pause for a moment… Taking it all in.
Breathe.
And then, your eyes are drawn toward one final easel.
It sits quietly in the center of the room.
Almost...
As though it's been waiting for you.
You slowly walk toward it.
This canvas represents today.
You study it carefully.
Perhaps there are only a few brushstrokes.
Maybe you've only painted the background.
Maybe one small corner has begun to take shape.
Or maybe...
It feels almost blank.
Before you even realize it… That familiar inner voice begins speaking.
"I should have done more."
"I should be further along."
"I've wasted today."
"I'll finally feel good about myself when..."
Just notice that voice.
You don't need to argue with it.
Or silence it.
Or shame yourself for having it.
Simply notice.
And gently wonder...
How long has that voice been traveling with you?
Breathe.
As you're standing there… You hear soft footsteps behind you.
You turn around.
Standing beside you is...
The Artist.
Their clothes are comfortably worn.
Tiny flecks of dried paint cover their hands.
Their face carries the kind of peace that can't be rushed.
The kind that only comes...
From living.
From creating.
From understanding that masterpieces take time.
They smile...
As though they've been expecting you.
For a long moment...
The two of you simply stand together, looking at today's unfinished painting.
Finally...
The Artist quietly asks...
"Why are you trying to finish today's painting… Today?"
Breathe.
The question settles over the room.
You don't answer.
Because something inside you already knows.
The Artist continues.
"No one expects a masterpiece… After a single morning."
...
"You are confusing today's brushstrokes… With your entire life's work."
...
"You've been judging the painting… Before it's finished."
...
"And every evening… You decide whether you are enough… Based on work that was never meant to be completed in a single day."
...
You feel yourself take a deeper breath.
Something inside you is beginning to soften.
The Artist walks toward a nearby workbench.
Resting there are several beautifully crafted wooden boxes.
Each one has a handwritten label.
The Artist gently opens the first box.
Inside...
Is a simple name tag.
It reads...
High Performer.
The Artist looks at you with kindness.
Then asks...
"Does this label still serve you?"
Take a moment.
Notice what comes up.
Perhaps that label helped you succeed.
Perhaps it carried you through school.
Built your career.
Protected you during uncertain seasons.
Helped you survive.
You don't need to resent the label that got you here.
You simply get to decide...
Whether it's still invited into the next chapter of your life.
Slowly...
You remove the name tag.
You hold it in your hands for just a moment.
Quietly thanking it...
For everything it helped you build.
For every season it carried you through.
Then...
With gratitude...
You gently place it inside the wooden box.
The Artist closes the lid.
Not forever.
Just...
For today.
The Artist opens another box.
Perfect.
Another.
People Pleaser.
Another.
Always Productive.
Another.
Always Strong.
Another.
The One Who Holds Everything Together.
Maybe there are other labels waiting here.
The Good Girl.
The Fixer.
The One Who Never Asks for Help.
Whatever labels you've been carrying...
Notice them.
One by one...
You gently set them down.
Not because they're bad.
Not because they've failed you.
But because they've become too heavy...
To carry any farther.
The Artist looks at you with a gentle smile.
Then quietly says...
"You were never meant to carry your identity… Around your neck."
Breathe.
The room suddenly feels lighter.
So do you.
The Artist walks over to today's canvas.
Then reaches toward a small ceramic jar...
Filled with paintbrushes that have been lovingly used for years.
They carefully choose one.
And without saying a word...
The Artist places the paintbrush in your hand.
Not to finish the painting.
Only...
To add one intentional brushstroke.
One.
That's all.
You look at the canvas.
Then at the brush.
Then back at the canvas.
For a moment...
You hesitate.
Because part of you still wants to make this brushstroke perfect.
The Artist notices.
And softly says...
"Perfection has never created great art."
...
"Presence has."
...
You take a slow breath in.
You dip the brush into whatever color feels right today.
Don't overthink it.
There is no wrong color.
There is only...
Today's color.
Slowly...
Carefully...
You make one beautiful brushstroke across the canvas.
Then...
You stop.
The Artist nods with quiet satisfaction.
"That's today's brushstroke."
...
Instinctively...
You begin to apologize.
"But there's still so much left."
The Artist smiles.
"I know."
"There always will be."
...
"Some days...
You paint bold colors."
...
"Some days...
You sketch."
...
"Some days...
You simply sit...
And study the work."
...
"Some days...
You clean the brushes."
...
"And every one of those days...
Belongs in the masterpiece."
Breathe.
Notice yourself looking back at today's painting.
Nothing dramatic has changed.
It still isn't finished.
There is still blank canvas waiting.
And somehow...
It feels absolutely beautiful.
It reflects exactly where you are today.
No more.
No less.
The Artist now turns toward you.
Not the painting.
You.
And says something you'll never forget.
"Your work...
Can reflect your values."
...
"But it never gets to determine...
Your value."
Let those words settle gently into your heart.
No need to force yourself to believe them immediately.
Simply allow them to rest there.
Like a seed...
Being planted.
Breathe.
Now...
Place one hand over your heart.
Feel the rise and fall of your breathing.
Notice your heartbeat.
And quietly repeat after me.
My worth...
Is not measured...
By today's accomplishments.
...
Achievement...
Is something I do.
It is not who I am.
...
Today...
I choose to create.
Not to prove.
...
I can be deeply ambitious...
And deeply at peace.
...
Today...
I practiced courage.
Kindness.
Curiosity.
Presence.
That is enough...
For today.
...
My life...
Is not a performance.
It is a masterpiece...
Still unfolding.
Breathe.
Notice what has shifted inside you.
Perhaps...
Nothing dramatic.
Perhaps...
Only the tiniest feeling of relief.
Sometimes...
That's where healing begins.
Not in huge breakthroughs.
But in quiet moments...
Where we finally stop arguing with ourselves.
Look once more at today's canvas.
You notice something now...
That you couldn't see before.
Today's single brushstroke...
Connects to yesterday's.
And yesterday's...
Connects to hundreds before it.
Every tiny effort.
Every lesson learned.
Every courageous conversation.
Every difficult decision.
Every act of kindness.
Every boundary you honored.
Every time you rested...
Instead of pushing through.
Every time you started again.
They've all been contributing...
To the same masterpiece.
You were simply standing too close to see it.
The Artist gently steps beside you.
Together...
You and The Artist stand quietly...
Looking at today's painting.
Not with pride.
Not with criticism.
Simply...
With appreciation.
After a long pause, The Artist softly says...
"You've been asking each day...
To tell you whether your life is meaningful."
...
"But no single day...
Can answer that question."
...
"Only a lifetime can."
Breathe.
Let those words settle.
Not as something new...
But as something you've always known.
The Artist gently brushes a tiny speck of dried paint from your sleeve.
They smile.
"Tomorrow...
You'll pick up the brush again."
"There will be new colors.
New ideas.
New brushstrokes."
"But for today..."
The Artist looks toward the canvas.
Then back to you.
"The painting is complete."
"Rest well."
Take one slow breath in...
And gently let it go.
Notice what those words feel like inside you.
You look around the studio one final time.
Every canvas...
Every season...
Every beginning.
Every ending.
Every lesson.
Together...
They tell the story of a life being fully lived.
You look back at today's painting.
It's still unfinished.
And somehow...
That feels exactly right.
Because now you understand.
Your only job today...
Was today's brushstroke.
Take one slow, grounding breath.
And when you’re ready… gently open your eyes.
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So, how did that feel? What came up for you?
I want you to set a 7-minute timer, grab a pen and paper, and take this time to write down everything you remember from this visualization exercise.
- What wisdom surfaced?
- What emotions came up?
- What images are still lingering in your mind?
- What labels no longer fit?
- And what would change, if you measured today not by how much you accomplished…but by how honestly you lived your values?
Answer as many of these questions as you like… or just focus on one. Whatever brings you the clarity you desire right now, you get to decide.
One final whisper
Somewhere along the way...
Many of us started treating our lives… Like performance reviews.
Every day became something to evaluate.
Every week...
A chance to decide...
Whether we'd done enough.
Whether we'd worked hard enough.
Helped enough.
Earned enough.
Become enough.
And somewhere in all of that striving… We forgot something beautifully simple.
Your life was never meant to be graded.
It was meant to be lived.
Keep your ambition.
Please...
Keep your ambition.
The world needs what only you can create.
Keep your curiosity.
Keep asking big questions.
Keep building meaningful things.
Keep making a positive impact.
Just don't ask your accomplishments...
To carry the weight of your identity.
Your work can reflect your values.
But it never gets to determine your value.
That has always belonged to you.
Tomorrow...
You'll pick up the brush again.
There will be new ideas.
New opportunities.
Another blank space on the canvas waiting for you.
But for today...
Take one last look at the painting.
Smile.
Because today's brushstroke...
Was enough for today.
The masterpiece is still unfolding.
And that's exactly how it was always meant to be.
Rest well, my friend.
I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you’re accessing the deep inner wisdom.
That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it.
You can do this, I believe in you.
It’s time to SIMPLIFY.
If this thought of the day inspired you...
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As always, please reach out, especially if you’ve got specific ideas or questions that you’d like us to cover on the podcast. DM me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) and let’s spark a conversation.
My book, Squash the Sunday Scaries: A Modern Playbook to Rebuild Trust, Transform Culture, and Reignite Your Workforce is out now and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, plus your favorite indie bookstore. If you work in HR or are a people manager, this book is especially for you, to help improve the employee experience for your team and help others get back to thriving at work.
Learn more at: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/book and gift this book to your boss or your favorite HR person.
Episode sponsored in part by Goodboy Agency, providing employer branding redesigns for busy HR Teams:
This episode is brought to you in part by Goodboy, helping HR teams compete for top talent. Goodboy helps midsize companies strengthen their employer brand, attract better candidates, and fill open roles faster. From redesigning your careers page to running targeted recruitment campaigns, they’ll help your company stand out in a crowded talent market. Visit www.goodboyagency.com/simplifiers to learn more.
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Thank you!
Show credits: Suzen Marie, our Podcast Editor and Jeffrey Lynn, our Video Editor. Plus, Aubri Williams, Chris Justice, and George Mills, our advisory board. And I’m your host, Mary Baird. Big love to Dennis Coleman, Kristen Kurtis, plus Mark and the team at Goodboy, as well as the folks in #TeamMary. Thank you so much for listening and telling your peeps about us.
As always friends, keep things simple.
