Earlier this year I was made aware of a core lie I believe. Deep down in my core, I believe I’m not good enough.
I believe we all have a core lie that keeps us from being the perfect person we were created to be.
When I recently told a couple of friends, that I tend to struggle with the lie, that I believe I’m not good enough, they couldn’t believe it.
Here’s the thing though, it’s not that I think I’m bad. I think we all know when we are really terrible at something and that is something we can process and accept.
I know I am good at my job, good as a mom, good as a partner.
The lie is not that I think I am bad.
The lie is that I believe what I am doing isn’t good enough. This implies that I don’t make the grade. I could be better, I should be better? There’s always something I could have/ should have done better.
The lie has made me push myself harder than most would. But the question I need to ask myself – is whether it is worth it? Will I ever be satisfied with this kind of mentality?
Herein lies the core of the lie. If you are pushing yourself from a core lie, you will never be satisfied or really celebrate your victories! Sounds very familiar, doesn’t it – “I will only be happy when… I’ve bought a house, achieved my goal-weight, finished my degree, etc.”

What are Core Lies?
Wendy Andrews describe core lies as strongholds or negative ‘I am’ statements. Here are just a few possible ‘negative I am statements’: I am unwanted, I am not important, I am unseen, I am unworthy, I am a disappointment.
I am Statements
Naturally, ‘negative I am statement’, are related to ‘positive I am statements’, which are closely related to daily affirmation and the power of positive thinking.
I have some reservations when it comes to the whole positive psychology practice. I don’t think it is all bad, but I do think it has its limitations. This along with the idea of affirmations vs
The real problem with core lies – is that we aren’t aware of the fact that we believe something that is a lie!
In February this year, I wrote a blog post about how I needed to face and overcome a fear in my innermost being. In the blog post, I wrote the following words: “How am I suppose to overcome fear when I am not even aware of the fear that has me paralysed?”
Related Blog Posts:
Traces of the Core Lie
Ever since I have become aware of it, I have started seeing traces of the effect the core lie has on my life. Stupid things, in some instances:
- My moral is influenced after an argument. I literally feel like giving up in some instances.
- Not starting with project or idea, because I know there’s someone out there that will be able to do it better than I will.
- The super-competitive streak I have in some instances, along with a total procrastination in others.

Not Good Enough
Recently two friends used a couple of words to describe this core lie.
1.) Procrastination
One friend used the word procrastination, when she referred to my fear of starting something I have thought of doing a couple of years ago.
Naturally, it wasn’t the word I would have used. I would have called it, putting things off, being numb and even taking a stance of inaction.
Unfortunately the reality is, I am procrastinating in my decision to get started, because I believe I’m not be good.
Not getting started out of a silly fear of not being good enough or failing.
2.) Inferiority Complex
My friend used the Afrikaans description – ‘minderwaardigheids komplek.’ She used the label with lots of respect, however, the word got stuck in my mind and I was forced to google the meaning and implications of the word.
The scary part, is that it is spot on.
According to Sean Cooper, there are two types of people who feel inferior.
The first group of people are inferior and, therefore, their feelings of inferiority are totally accurate and like I mentioned earlier something that should be processed and accepted.
The second group, feel inferior although they know they are smart, attractive and successful. The feeling is based on something other than facts, it has no real substance.
That hit home really hard!
How to Overcome the lie that You’re Not Good Enough?
Here’s the scary part – I have been on a bit of a mental scavenger hunt this year.
My goal for the year was to become strong and healthy. Run for Joy, was my word(s) of the year.
In April this year, I wrote a post about my progress with this year’s goal. I recognized that I am stuck in a rut, along with the fact that in order for me to make sustainable – life-long – changes, I would need to take a body-and-soul approach.
Interestingly enough, the body-soul and spirit concept made a come back in October. In the post, I look at the link between what we think and what we do. Along with the simple reality that our spirits dominate our thinking.
It may seem like a riddle, but it is something that became even more real to me. Caroline Leaf‘s book “Switch on Your Brain” holds the missing piece that I have been looking for most of the year.
Before you read any further, this right here, is a post you need to read:
The long and the short of the book, is that your mind controls your brain.
From the previous blog post and in particular the little video clip at the beginning of the post. You would have learned that the Holy Spirit communicates with your spirit.
Your spirit communicates with your soul. The soul is the mind, intellect and emotions. And the mind communicates with the body. The brain is naturally the most superior of the organs, along with the heart.
In other words, by changing your thinking, in alignment with the Holy Spirit, you are changing your brain. Especially when you change your subconscious mind.
Core Lies and the Subconscious Mind
Remember how I said – a core lie is something we believe, that we aren’t even aware of? Or how I mentioned I was paralyzed with fear, I wasn’t even aware of?
These are all elements of the subconscious mind!
Caroline’s book teaches you through science and scripture that it is possible to change the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is where you (and I) are holding on and believing a core lie, that we can change by replacing it with the truth!
We can change the lie – I am not good enough, into truth. I am good enough! We do this by programme the truth into our subconscious mind!
Herein lays the truth and key to overcoming the lie that you’re not good enough.
Now if you are curious about the book and the process of changing your thinking. I would highly recommend you pick up the book and devour it the way I have.
If you’re willing to wait, sign up to my newsletter in the sidebar or down below.
I am planning to do a full review about the book. Along with my experience while practicing the 5 step Switch on Your Brain process, in order to stop being I’m not good enough.
Leave a Reply