You Are Enough

I was speaking to a group of young leaders recently when a woman raised her hand and asked a question that stopped me in my tracks. "Michael," she said, "how do I know if I'm cut out for leadership when I feel like everyone else has it more figured out than I do?"

Her vulnerability reminded me of something I've carried with me for decades: the most successful people I know aren't those who never doubted themselves—they're the ones who learned to lead in spite of their doubts.

You see, there's something I want you to understand about that critical voice in your head, the one that keeps a running tally of all your shortcomings. That voice isn't your friend, and it certainly isn't telling you the truth. I've mentored countless individuals over the years, and I can tell you this with absolute certainty: your value was never up for debate.

Let me share what I've learned about human potential. Every person I've ever met—from CEOs to students, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out—has struggled with the same fundamental question: "Am I enough?" The answer is always yes, but here's the catch: you'll never feel ready. You'll never feel fully prepared. You'll never feel like you have all the answers. And that's exactly when you need to step forward anyway.

I've noticed something interesting about the people who make the biggest impact. They don't wait until they feel qualified—they grow into their qualifications. They understand that confidence isn't a prerequisite for action; it's a byproduct of it. Every time you choose courage over comfort, you're depositing into your confidence account.

Your uniqueness isn't something to apologize for—it's your greatest asset. I've watched too many people dim their light trying to fit into someone else's mold. But here's what I know: the world doesn't need another copy of someone else. It needs the original version of you. Your perspective, your experiences, your way of seeing solutions—these aren't accidents. They're gifts.

The obstacles in your path aren't detours; they're development opportunities. I often tell people that problems are simply leadership development courses in disguise. Every challenge you face is building muscle you'll need for the next level of your journey. The pressure you feel isn't breaking you—it's making you stronger.

Here's something I've observed about purpose: it's not always revealed in a dramatic moment of clarity. More often, it unfolds as you take faithful steps forward. Purpose isn't found in perfection; it's found in persistence. You don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step, and you don't have to understand your entire purpose to begin living it today.

I want to tell you about the power of your persistence. The fact that you're still here, still trying, still believing—that's not luck. That's strength. That's character. That's proof that you have what it takes to not just survive but thrive. Every morning you choose to get up and try again, you're demonstrating a kind of courage that deserves recognition.

You know what separates those who succeed from those who stay stuck? It's not talent, education, or even opportunity. It's the willingness to believe in themselves before anyone else does. It's the decision to act on their potential even when they can't yet see the full picture.

I need you to hear this: you don't have to earn your worth. You don't have to prove your value. You don't have to wait until you feel ready or until others validate what you already know deep down. You matter now. Your ideas matter now. Your contribution matters now.

The person you're becoming through your struggles, your growth, your persistence—that person is being prepared for something significant. Trust the process. Trust your journey. Trust yourself.

You are enough, not because I say so, but because it's true. And because you are enough, you have everything you need to take the next step, make the next decision, and keep building the life you were meant to live.

To your growth and freedom,

Dr. Michael Schulz.