Navigating the Maze of 'Good Enough' and Self-Worth.

Explore the art of embracing imperfection in the creative industry. A UX designer’s perspective on mastering the delicate balance of 'good enough' and self-worth.

Navigating the Maze of 'Good Enough' and Self-Worth.
Do not index
Do not index
Read time: under 3 minutes

Overcoming the Tyranny of 'Good Enough'

💭
Through the eyes of a UX designer, this article explores the universal struggle with 'good enough,' capturing the shared sentiment of battling self-doubt in creative pursuits.
In the relentless pursuit of excellence, we often find ourselves wrestling with the concept of "good enough." With experience spanning global agencies and tech giants, I've come to realise that this quest for validation is as elusive as it is exhausting.
When I began my journey, I naively believed that success was synonymous with perfection. But as I dove deeper into the trenches of creativity, I soon discovered that perfection is a mirage—one that recedes further into the distance with every step we take towards it.
It's a sobering realisation, one that many of us in the creative industry grapple with daily. We pour our hearts and souls into our work, only to have it scrutinised, critiqued, and often, dismissed.
I’m not good enough.
I’m not good enough.
The constant battle with self-doubt becomes a familiar companion, whispering in our ears that we'll never be good enough.
But amidst the cacophony of doubt lies a glimmer of truth.
It's not about reaching some elusive standard of perfection; it's about embracing the journey of growth and self-discovery.
It's about learning from our failures, leveraging feedback to fuel our evolution, and honing our craft with every stroke of the keyboard.
Good enough is the new perfection
Good enough is the new perfection
And if you're still seeking tips to grapple with self-worth, I've got some for you.
 
📰
Join 8,000+ Designers for FREE weekly UX Insights 
Every Wednesday, I send out 1 actionable framework to grow your UX career 🌱 — No fluff. Always 5 minutes or less.
 

Conquer self-doubt: Tips for creative confidence

In the realm of creative endeavors, battling self-doubt while striving for 'good enough' can be a daunting task. Here are actionable tips to reclaim your confidence and recognise your worth.
  1. Define your own metrics for success instead of constantly seeking external validation. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your values and aspirations.
  1. Celebrate small wins, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward, no matter how incremental, is a victory worth recognising.
  1. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Embrace imperfection and learn from mistakes instead of being overly critical of yourself.
  1. Focus on growth, not perfection. View challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
  1. Minimise comparisons with others, especially when social media can distort reality. Everyone's journey is unique, and progress is not always linear.
  1. Seek feedback wisely. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who provide constructive criticism rather than destructive negativity.
  1. Practice gratitude. 🧘‍♀️
  1. Set boundaries to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Learn to say no to commitments or situations that drain your energy or undermine your self-worth.
  1. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to your courage. Embrace vulnerability as a pathway to deeper connections and growth.
  1. Seek support from friends, family, mentors, or professionals if you're struggling with self-doubt. Opening up about your feelings can provide perspective and reassurance.
Navigating the maze of self-worth is an ongoing journey. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to your growth, and trust in your inherent value as a creative individual.
 

The simple truth.

So, to my fellow creatives who find themselves ensnared in the web of 'good enough,' I offer this simple truth:
You are enough!
Right here, right now, in all your imperfect glory.
Stop waiting for validation from external sources and start believing in the power of your voice.
The road to greatness is paved with setbacks, doubts, and moments of uncertainty.
But it's also lined with triumphs, breakthroughs, and flashes of brilliance.
Embrace the journey, trust in your abilities, and never underestimate the impact of your work.
You are good enough.
And that, my friends, is more than enough.
 

👉
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
1. Junior Designer Bundle: Transition into UX with my playbooks: breaking down portfolios, applications, and UX frameworks, to build a solid career foundation. Craft an unforgettable portfolio & get hired.
2. Senior Designer Bundle: Become a design leader with systems to build healthier, happier teams and grow you and others meaningfully. Join 500+ aspiring leaders.
3. UX Portfolio Critique: Get a 20-minute video of brutally honest feedback, a checklist of things to fix, in less than 48 hours. Get a personalised portfolio critique here.
4. Job Sprint Course: Stand out in an unpredictable job market by building a memorable personal brand and a killer job search strategy. Get hired in UX with Job Sprint.
 

Get free UX resources

Get portfolio templates, list of job boards, UX step-by-step guides, and more.

Download for FREE
Christopher Nguyen

Founder of UX Playbook

Related posts

From Good to Great: The Art of Virtual High FivesFrom Good to Great: The Art of Virtual High Fives
The Ultimate Team Feedback Tool: Virtual Suggestion BoxThe Ultimate Team Feedback Tool: Virtual Suggestion Box
The Unsung Hero In Design: UX WritingThe Unsung Hero In Design: UX Writing
UX Focus Mastery: Pomodoro Productivity Technique For DesignersUX Focus Mastery: Pomodoro Productivity Technique For Designers
Mastering User Psychology in UX DesignMastering User Psychology in UX Design
Designing Without Data: Turning UX Constraints into CreativityDesigning Without Data: Turning UX Constraints into Creativity
The Role of Emotions in UX: A Deep Dive into Influence and BehaviourThe Role of Emotions in UX: A Deep Dive into Influence and Behaviour
Decoding UX Collaboration: Better Teamwork with Working StylesDecoding UX Collaboration: Better Teamwork with Working Styles
The UX Impact of Emojis 🤩The UX Impact of Emojis 🤩
10 Tips For Killer Inclusive UX Copy10 Tips For Killer Inclusive UX Copy
What Is Storytelling in UX Design, and Does It Really Work?What Is Storytelling in UX Design, and Does It Really Work?
10X Your UX Design Communication Skills 10X Your UX Design Communication Skills
Design for Accessibility: 7 Essential Principles for Inclusive UX DesignsDesign for Accessibility: 7 Essential Principles for Inclusive UX Designs
Mastering UX Writing: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024Mastering UX Writing: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
Power of Personal Mind Maps for UX Designers & ManagersPower of Personal Mind Maps for UX Designers & Managers
The Art of Stakeholder CommunicationThe Art of Stakeholder Communication
Your First 90 Days in a UX Design Role: A Strategic GuideYour First 90 Days in a UX Design Role: A Strategic Guide
Guide to Clarity: Living DocumentsGuide to Clarity: Living Documents
Brag Sheet: The Art of Selling YourselfBrag Sheet: The Art of Selling Yourself
When It's Time to Quit: Wake-Up Calls You Can't IgnoreWhen It's Time to Quit: Wake-Up Calls You Can't Ignore
Building a Healthy Work Environment: A Guide for Design LeadersBuilding a Healthy Work Environment: A Guide for Design Leaders
From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Interfaces: Mastering Feng Shui-Infused UXFrom Ancient Wisdom to Modern Interfaces: Mastering Feng Shui-Infused UX
Should We Be Using The Word “User”?Should We Be Using The Word “User”?
How To Budget With An Inconsistent IncomeHow To Budget With An Inconsistent Income
Why Designers Shouldn't Take Things PersonallyWhy Designers Shouldn't Take Things Personally
Are You Feeling Lonely At Work?Are You Feeling Lonely At Work?
How to discuss a previous Toxic Work Environment in Job Interviews (without coming across as negative)How to discuss a previous Toxic Work Environment in Job Interviews (without coming across as negative)
Warning Signs in Job Interviews: 7 Red Flags of a Toxic WorkplaceWarning Signs in Job Interviews: 7 Red Flags of a Toxic Workplace
Humility in UX: The Key to Unlocking Career Growth Humility in UX: The Key to Unlocking Career Growth
How to Push Back on Stakeholders and Win (Real Examples)How to Push Back on Stakeholders and Win (Real Examples)
You Can’t Rely on Just a Job: Why a Business Mindset is Essential You Can’t Rely on Just a Job: Why a Business Mindset is Essential
 
 

Get unstuck in our newsletter

Actionable frameworks to level up your UX career. Read in 5 minute or less, weekly. Absolutely free.
 
 
     
    notion image
    Join over 8,000 designers and get tactics, hacks, and practical tips.