Why do we always think we are incapable?

[MusicNMom]

 Am I the only mom out there who is always second-guessing myself about what I am and am not capable of doing?

It seems like this week I have had friend after friend say to me--"yes, I am just wondering if I can...or should...or am capable...of doing (such and such)". Many of them (ok,all of them) are amazing women...beyond capable of teaching their children...remodeling their home....canning an entire garden of produce...teaching a Bible study.....singing in church...whatever it is that they are struggling with. You would think with all the self-esteem stuff we are exposed to daily some of it would stick--I mean, most of us are master multi-taskers, capable of running the ship, being mom to ? kids, keeping dinner on the table, the pets fed and watered, ferrying people to and from whatever they need to do, great hostesses...and yet, we still wonder if we can do something that in reality is not that BIG of a thing.

So why do we do what we do? Any answers? I would love to hear someone else's opinion on this. (I have heard my own often enough!!!!!)

[cmy3kids]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 12:31 PM

I think a lot of it comes from being burned before in our past experiences or what others around us do or say.

[Gram12of15]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:26 PM

I've seen that same thing way too often.  I tend to go the other direction...I know I can do anything - it may not be easy, but I can do what I have to do.  The difference is that I've learned to believe in myself & recognize what I've done.  Too often, women minimize what they can do, so they don't believe in themselves.

[busywithkids]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 1:47 PM

I agree---it is tough to KNOW in my self that I can do stuff.  I do second-guess myself on a daily basis,  which is so unfair to me.  *sigh*  Awareness is a good first step to change.

Mine originated with having a father/mother who never saw what I did as good enough.  There was ALWAYS a comment about what was lacking in tasks that I did,  or plain old ignoring the work I put in all together.  Rarely was there any appreciation or thanks for the things I did.  Which has led me to a lifelong feeling that I will never be good enough,  or that the things I do right have no value at all.

[sunnipatch]

Feb. 26, 2009 at 5:49 PM

we dont believe in ourselves because we are always striving to be like others because the grass always looks greener on the other side ,also alot of us constantly compare our kids and moms to each other ,the big issue for me is thinking i can do everything keep an immaculate house spend time with daughter have my own time and somewhere in there keep husband happy!!!!!! iam trying to overcome this super mom syndrome its aslow process