Overcoming oneself, also known as dealing with internal friction, refers to the battle we fight within ourselves when our own thoughts or emotions hold us back. Internal forces, such as doubt, fear, or confusion, create barriers that can make us feel stuck. Often, people experience these feelings because they are unclear about what they truly want or because their minds are clouded by negative emotions. This can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, and emotional pain. When we’re caught in this struggle, we may second-guess our decisions or feel overwhelmed by past mistakes, which only makes the situation worse.

In the eyes of the public, overcoming oneself is viewed as a personal struggle. It is a mental battle that involves recognizing our internal challenges and finding ways to move beyond them. Whether it’s breaking free from bad habits, facing fears, or dealing with self-doubt, the journey to overcome these obstacles is often difficult and requires patience. This process can be compared to a tug-of-war between different parts
of our mind—one side pushing forward, while the other side pulls us back.

Then I asked students who were seniors, their opinion of self-struggle.
“First, why do you feel guilty? In what kind of situations do you usually start feeling guilty?”
“If feeling guilty is normal when you notice yourself feeling this way, it’s usually because you’ve caused some trouble for others—at least, that’s my guess. It’s often related to your personality. Of course, when it comes to guilt, it’s more often triggered by events or situations that you’ve caused, either directly or indirectly, which lead to some negative emotions in people you care about. At that moment, you might feel really bad for them too,” said Alina Li, a junior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

“What makes you feel guilty? In what situations do you typically experience guilt?”
“I don’t usually say it. It’s more like other people feel guilty towards me. Is it because I’m waiting for you to admit fault?” said Yi Zhang a junior at ERHS.

However, overcoming oneself is an essential part of growth. It allows us to become more resilient and better understand ourselves. When we conquer these inner battles, we gain confidence and clarity about who we are and what we want to achieve. It’s a struggle that many people face at different points in life, but it is also an opportunity for personal development and self-improvement.