Why do I have to be good at everything?
- Tracy Rappold

- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Do I always have to be good at everything? For that matter, do I always have to be right? The things that I don’t like to do or am not good at, other people like to do and succeed. Also, I do not have to feel bad about it. I do not expect everyone is the same as me with the same interests or talents.
Do we have to be good at every subject to succeed? I don’t think so. Actually, from what I see people have different talents. People are intelligent in different ways. You could be good at geometry (I am definitely not). I could be good at psychology (maybe).
Let go, relax, and take a deep breath. Try to learn about what really interests you. Read a lot. Do the work, learn how to learn, but understand that it is not a measure of your worth. Try to figure out what you are passionate about.
Become a good listener. There is nothing wrong with being a curious person. Curiosity is the hallmark of higher intelligence. When you do not know something and you listen, that is where you learn. However, accept that you just cannot learn everything.
Perhaps feeling like we are not good at something limits us if we let it. This perception can create a significant barrier in our lives, influencing not only our self-esteem but also our willingness to take risks and try new things. When we internalize the belief that we lack proficiency in certain areas, we may shy away from opportunities that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment. This self-doubt can manifest in various ways, leading to anxiety and a pervasive fear of failure, which can, in turn, hinder our ability to pursue our passions and interests with confidence. It can mess with our self-esteem, causing us to question our abilities and worth based on a narrow set of skills or experiences.
Moreover, the notion that we should excel at everything often stems from a deep-seated desire to please other people. This desire can be particularly pronounced in environments where societal expectations and peer comparisons are prevalent. We may feel pressured to meet standards that are not only unrealistic but also misaligned with our unique talents and interests. The constant comparison to others can lead to a distorted self-image, where we measure our success against the achievements of those around us rather than our individual progress and potential. Steve Jobs said, “Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” This powerful statement serves as a reminder to break free from the constraints imposed by external expectations and judgments. It encourages us to listen to our own aspirations and values instead of succumbing to the pressures of societal norms.
By embracing our individuality and recognizing that each person has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, we can cultivate a healthier self-image and a more authentic approach to personal development. In conclusion, while it is natural to feel inadequate at times, it is essential to acknowledge that these feelings should not define us. Instead, we should strive to focus on our growth journey, celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, and understanding that mastery in any field takes time, patience, and practice. By doing so, we can reclaim our confidence and pursue our passions with renewed vigor, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life.
What if we dare to let go of being good at every task? Being good at something takes focus and discipline, reserve it for the thing you care about.
Develop your own abilities. Be your best self.





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