Attempting to Impress

As a small child I, like many others, did as many things as possible to get my parents to pay close attention to me or be impressed. Sometimes this came in the form of talent shows in the living room, drawings that I hoped to have hung on the fridge, or cleaning my room by shoving all my clothes into my closet. After these events, it was followed by either the desired response I was looking for, or some sort of “Oh yeah, cool.” I continued this trend of looking for my parents approval and signs of them being impressed, and even began seeking it from my peers and teachers as well. I was always looking for the next way to make those around me feel as though I deserved to be there.

While this habit was not detrimental as a child, upon becoming a young adult I have realized that it doesn’t serve me in the same capacity as it did when I was younger. See, when I was younger it was just a fun pass time and almost a reward for doing something cool. I felt good about myself in a general sense and the impressive smiles I received from my parents were just extra pockets of goodness.

Now, I find myself attempting to gain approval and reassurance from my peers for doing extra. Somehow in my mind, doing the bare minimum is not good enough. I constantly have to be doing more than required of me to feel like I am worthy of the places I am in. However, I know I am not the only one with this mental dilemma.

We are more than capable of achieving great things. These great things don’t have to come from our work overtime though, things we do everyday is more than enough. And sometimes getting out of bed is the best you can do in a day, that is enough.

Your worth is not defined by activities or events but by fulfillment and happiness in what you do.

Find ways to prioritize impressing yourself before impressing others,

Elizabeth