Where this belief fits
Schema Domain: Impaired Autonomy & Performance
Lifetrap: Failure
Non-Nurturing Elements™ (Precursors):
How this belief keeps repeating:
Evidence Pile
When this belief is active, the mind scans broadly across behaviour, outcomes, and comparisons and interprets ordinary mistakes, limitations, or shortcomings as evidence that one is fundamentally lacking or inferior.
Show common “proof” items
- Making mistakes or not performing as well as hoped
- Comparing oneself to others who appear more capable or successful
- Feedback, correction, or criticism—especially when emotional
- Remembered failures, rejections, or missed opportunities
- Feeling behind, stuck, or unsure of direction
As evidence of being “no good” accumulates, internal pressure builds around shame, self-criticism, and a sense of futility or discouragement.
Show common signals
- Persistent self-judgement
- Low motivation or hopelessness
- Shame following effort or visibility
- Emotional heaviness or resignation
- Difficulty accessing self-compassion
To reduce the pain of perceived inadequacy, the system shifts toward avoidance, disengagement, or lowered expectations.
Show Opt-Out patterns
- Giving up quickly or not trying
- Avoiding challenges or evaluation
- Self-sabotage or procrastination
- Downplaying effort or potential
- Emotional numbing or withdrawal
This belief doesn’t shout. It whispers.
In the gap between effort and validation.
In the way success feels… contaminated. Undeserved.
It’s not about failure — it’s about identity.
“I Am No Good” says: Whatever I do, something about me is still wrong at the core.
And that sense becomes the filter for everything you touch — relationships, goals, even joy.
What It Sounds Like Internally:
- “They think I’m doing well, but they don’t know the truth.”
- “I mess things up just by being in the room.”
- “Even when things go right, I feel wrong.”
Where It Shows Up:
- Feeling uncomfortable receiving praise or recognition
- People-pleasing to prove moral worth
- Chronic self-rejection or over-explaining
- Sabotaging success or connection because it feels undeserved
What It Can Lead To:
Unchecked, this belief often evolves into:
- “There’s something fundamentally wrong with me.”
- “They’d hate me if they knew the truth.”
- “I’ll never be enough, no matter what I do.”
Want to Dive Deeper into the “I Am No Good” Pattern?
Discover related beliefs, emotional triggers, and how therapy can help you recondition this deep-rooted belief for real change.
What Therapy Targets:
We don’t argue with this belief.
We dismantle the false evidence it’s built on.
Through Pattern Reconditioning, we rewire the core script — shifting your nervous system’s default from shame and guilt to grounded self-worth.
👉 Explore the Therapy Approach →
👉 See the Full Pattern Breakdown →
