This episode of Self-Improvement Daily mentioned the following quote:
“Stop trying to prove yourself.
Start trying to improve yourself.
One keeps you stuck performing for other people.
The other keeps you growing for yourself.”
– Fio Bros
The statement immediately drew me in.
I started to think about all the ways I’ve tried to prove myself over the years.
And all the ways I’ve worked to improve myself.
What I started to think about was an interesting cycle I was in.
I was steadily improving – books, advanced degrees, courses, newsletters, webinars.
Over time, my knowledge and experience continued to grow.
Yet, in parallel, I had that feeling that others didn’t see this.
Feeling that I needed to prove that I was qualified, good enough, or worthy.
I was always chasing the external signs – a merit increase, a promotion, etc.
Yet, when they came, the glow faded within a few weeks or months.
Then, I was right back in the cycle of needing to prove myself.
And…. digging in further to improve at the same time.
I wonder where I am today.
Definitely still improving.
Feeling less need to prove myself, but it still creeps up at times.
Maybe the next time I feel the need to prove myself, I shift the lens to improve.
Consider what I’m trying to prove and lean into the learning instead.
Your Turn
Do you spend more time trying to prove yourself or improve yourself?
Have you found yourself in the cycle described above?
What could you do today to shift from proving yourself to improving yourself?