15 Jan How To Overcome Insecurity And Reach Your Potential

Posted at 09:03h in Featured, GI SAID IT, The Tribe by

GI dives straight into the truth about insecurity, where it starts (spoiler: childhood), and how it quietly crushes your confidence, relationships, and career. Learn how to stop running from it, own your flaws without BS affirmations, and build on your actual strengths—not society’s version of success.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

Here’s the hard truth. Most people are insecure and just don’t want to admit it. You probably know someone like that (maybe it’s even you). The thing about insecurity is that it doesn’t just sit in one corner of your life—it creeps into everything. Your job, your relationships, your ambitions, and even your happiness are gradually affected by this internal struggle you might not even realize is taking control.

What we’re not going to do is throw fluffy “feel-good” advice at you. That won’t help. What I am going to do is break this down brutally and clearly so that you have the tools to actually work through this.

Because here’s the thing about insecurity—it’s fear. Plain and simple. Fear of not being enough. Not attractive enough, not skilled enough, not important enough. It stems from somewhere deep, often in childhood, where someone made you feel small, or worse, got you used to neglect. But here’s the kicker—none of that matters anymore. What matters now is whether you’re ready to take the first step toward owning your sh*t and reaching your full potential.

Step 1: Stop Bullsh*tting Yourself

First things first, drop the act. Stop pretending you’re fine when you’re not. Stop trying to convince yourself or others that you’ve got it all together when internally you’re holding on by a thread. Being secure isn’t about showing off confidence; it’s about owning your flaws, being real, and being okay with who you are.

Actionable Tip

Take a moment to reflect—write down the areas where you’re insecure. Be honest. Are you insecure about your looks? Your intelligence? Your career? Write it all out. You can’t fix what you refuse to admit exists.

Step 2: Figure Out Who the Hell You Are

Here’s where most people screw up. They don’t know themselves, so they try to fit into what others expect them to be. Newsflash, trying to be some watered-down version of yourself just to fit in will never make you feel good enough. To combat insecurity, you need to know exactly who you are.

Actionable Tip

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What are your non-negotiable values? What would you fight for?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses—like honestly, not what you wish they were?
  • What do you actually enjoy doing (not what people told you that you should enjoy)?

Spend time reflecting, journaling, or even sitting down with a therapist if you’re lost.

Step 3: Accept Your Flaws Without Excuses

This is where people flinch because it sounds scary—but it’s not. Once you’ve figured out who you are, you need to start accepting every part of yourself, flaws included. You know why? Because they make you you. That gap in your front teeth? Your clumsiness? That tendency to overshare in conversations? Yeah, those are part of your story. Stop fighting them.

At the same time, don’t confuse acceptance with complacency. If your flaws are impacting other people, address them. But if they’re just quirks that make you unique? Double down on owning them.

Actionable Tip

Make a list of things you don’t like about yourself. Then, next to each item, write whether it’s something you can change or something worth accepting. Learn to differentiate between dealbreakers and personality traits.

Step 4: Learn to Love Yourself, Even When It Sucks

Loving yourself doesn’t mean posting selfies with “self-love” hashtags or repeating affirmations in the mirror. It’s about giving yourself some grace and gratitude. You’re still here. You’ve made it this far. That counts for something. Loving yourself means appreciating what you do have and understanding that, yeah, things could be worse.

Stop beating yourself up for not being perfect. Perfect doesn’t exist. Save yourself the time and energy.

Actionable Tip

Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for about yourself. Maybe it’s the fact that you made someone laugh at work. Maybe you ran a mile today. Maybe you just survived a tough conversation. Whatever it is, acknowledge it.

Step 5: Know Your Strengths and Actually Respect Them

Here’s the deal—everyone wants to be seen as a leader because society glamorizes it. But you know what? Not everyone is meant to lead, and that’s okay. Some people thrive in support roles, and those roles are just as valuable. The problem? People don’t respect their own strengths unless they’re flashy.

Recognize what you’re good at. Accept the role where you naturally excel and build on it. Trying to be something you’re not is a fast-track to failure and even deeper insecurities.

Actionable Tip

Write down your top three skills. Then write how you can use them to make a bigger impact.

Step 6: Action Over Fear, Every Damn Time

You won’t overcome insecurity or reach your potential by sitting and waiting for some magic moment. You’ve got to act. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’re scared. Taking action builds courage over time, and courage is the kryptonite to insecurity.

Actionable Tip

Set one small, achievable goal this week. Then go for it. Fail? Fine. Get back up and try again. Repeat the process until courage becomes second nature.

Bonus Insight—The Ego Detour

Nobody’s off the hook here. Think you don’t struggle with insecurity because your ego is sky-high? Wrong. Ego is just insecurity flipped outward. It’s a defense mechanism, a giant neon sign saying, “Don’t look too close, I’m scared.” The same rules apply—ditch the ego, admit the fear, and get to work.

Wrapping It Up

Here’s the bottom line. Overcoming insecurity and reaching your potential aren’t magic tricks. They’re uncomfortable but necessary processes. Get to know yourself, own who you are, and take action to leverage your strengths.

Unfiltered? Yes. Practical? Absolutely.

Now go, and make sh*t happen.

 

The Tribe is a collective of individuals committed to growth, wisdom, and connection with other like minds. We don’t follow trends—we live by truth, self improvement, and action.

 

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America’s Values Have Failed
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Accepting That Life Isn’t What You Thought I’d Be