Ich genüge schon wieder nicht (I’m Not Enough, Again)

Self-worth: a lie

What if self-esteem does not need to be strengthened, because the very idea of self-worth leads us astray? Psychotherapist Ulrich Flöttmann-Schubert challenges one of the most persistent beliefs of our time: that people have to be measured, validated and confirmed through performance, recognition and conformity.

The book describes how early conditioning arises from praise, blame and every other form of evaluation, and how children can be guided differently from the start.

Three ideas that change the view

• The construct: Self-esteem is not a natural state but a socially learned system of evaluation.
• The original state: Every child comes into the world at rest within itself, free of the question of whether it is enough.
• The way out: Unconditional love, mindful guidance and giving up constant evaluation can protect this state.

Who this book is for

For young and expectant parents, for therapists and counselors, and for anyone who knows the feeling of never being enough and suspects that the problem is not them.

About the book

Publisher: tredition · First edition 2022, second edition since July 30, 2026 · 368 pages
Available at Favori Art as a paperback (ISBN 978-3-384-96343-7) and a hardcover (ISBN 978-3-384-96344-4). The e-book (19.99 €) is available from the publisher, tredition.

Note on language: The book is written in German. This description explains in English what it is about.

Read a sample (PDF, German) · Author’s book page (German)