If you’re constantly apologizing or looking for validation, it’s more likely that you have low self-esteem. If you’re always doubting your decisions, you clearly don’t value yourself enough.
But it’s not always that simple. To be honest, the human psyche is a maze, and spotting signs of low self-esteem in your actions can be a difficult task.
Here’s the kicker, though. you may be doing things that scream low self-esteem without even realizing it. And that’s what I’m going to talk about today. Let’s uncover 8 hidden signs of low self-esteem.
Remember, it’s okay if you identify with some of these signs. we are all on a journey of self-improvement, so let’s dive in and begin to understand ourselves better.
1) You’re always apologizing
Life can be a whirlwind of chaos and confusion.
Moments pass us by, decisions are made on the fly, and sometimes things go awry. It’s okay to apologize when you mess up, it shows you own up to your mistakes and are willing to make amends.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
Are you the type to apologize for everything, even when it’s not your fault?
If you do, this could be a sign that you are struggling with low self-esteem.
Do you realize that apologizing too much often means that you’re putting other people’s comfort and feelings ahead of your own? You’re essentially telling yourself that your feelings are less important, and that’s not true.
Everyone has the right to space and have their feelings acknowledged.Don’t let your apologies rob you of this basic human right.
It’s time to start realizing your worth.
2) Are you constantly seeking validation?
The world we live in is a social one.
We interact with others, share our thoughts, and give and receive feedback. It’s a natural part of being human.
But I’ve noticed something about myself that I think you can relate to.
I used to (and sometimes still do) seek validation from others for even the smallest things. I would ask my friends if my outfit looked good, if my work was good enough, or if my ideas were even worth sharing.
I would feel anxious and insecure until someone reassured me. It was as if their approval was a stamp of quality on my existence.
It took me a while to realize that this constant need for validation was a sign of low self-esteem. I was giving other people the power to determine my worth based on their views and opinions.
If you do too, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. Your worth is not determined by others, but by how you see yourself.
Your opinions, ideas, and feelings are valuable simply because they are yours. You don’t need an external stamp of approval.
3) You are a people pleaser
Did you know that humans are inherently social creatures?
We crave connection, acceptance, and approval from those around us. It’s hardwired into our brains as a survival instinct from our early ancestors.
But there’s a difference between being social and being a people pleaser.
If you often go out of your way to accommodate others, to the point of sacrificing your own needs and desires, then you can be a people pleaser.
This behavior is often associated with low self-esteem. Because it stems from the belief that you need to please others in order to be liked or accepted, and that your own needs and desires are less important.
It’s okay to say no sometimes. It’s okay to put your needs first. Your worth is not determined by how much you please others, but by how much you value yourself.
4) You are overly critical of yourself
We all make mistakes, it’s part of being human.
Some of us accept these mistakes, learn from them, and move on.Others, however, tend to dwell on these mistakes, criticizing themselves for every misstep.
If you constantly berate yourself for every mistake, no matter how small, it can be a sign of low self-esteem.
This self-criticism often stems from the belief that you are not good enough until you are perfect. no one is perfect.
It’s good to strive for excellence, but it’s also bad to be kind to yourself when you stumble. Remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Your worth is not determined by your mistakes, but by your ability to rise after each fall.
5) You downplay your achievements
Success is a relative term.
What might seem like a small feat to someone else might be a huge achievement. And that’s perfectly fine. What’s not okay is to downplay your accomplishments.
I used to do this all the time. I would brush off compliments about my work saying it was “nothing special” or “anyone can do that.” I would be embarrassed when someone complimented me and I would quickly change the subject.
What I didn’t realize was that I was undermining my own efforts and achievements because deep down I didn’t believe I deserved the praise.
If you do too, it’s time to stop and give yourself some credit. Your achievements, however small they may seem, have worked hard for them and deserve recognition.
So instead of belittling your success, try to accept it with grace and gratitude. Your worth is not determined by what others think of you, but by how you value yourself.
6) You avoid confrontations
It is natural to want to maintain peace and harmony in our relationships.
But sometimes, to keep the peace, we may avoid confrontations, even when it’s necessary. We may let things slide or ignore our feelings just to avoid an argument.
While this may seem like a good strategy in the short term, in the long term it can lead to resentment and bitterness.More importantly, it can be a sign of low self-esteem.
Why? Because by avoiding confrontation, you’re essentially saying that your feelings and opinions aren’t important enough to express or defend.
However, it’s important to remember that your feelings are valid and deserve to be heard. Confrontation doesn’t have to be negative; It can be a healthy way to express your feelings, set boundaries, and maintain respect in a relationship.
Your worth is not determined by how easily you avoid conflict, but by how respectfully you treat it.
7) You neglect self-care
We all have busy lives.
Between work, family, and social obligations, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves, but if you’re constantly putting the needs of others before your own and neglecting self-care, it can be a sign of low self-esteem.
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days, it’s about taking time to recharge your energy and nurture your physical, emotional and mental health.
If you’re constantly pushing yourself to the limit without taking time to rest and recharge, you’re sending yourself the message that your well-being isn’t a priority.
But it should be. Your worth is not determined by how much you do for others, but by how well you take care of yourself. Remember, you can’t fill an empty cup. So make sure to prioritize self-care and refill your cup regularly.
8) You settle for less
It’s important in life to know your worth and demand respect.
If you’re constantly settling for less than you deserve, whether it’s in a relationship, at work, or in any area of your life, it could be a sign of low self-esteem.
When you believe you’re worth less, you tend to accept less. you deserve the best.
Your worth is not determined by what you settle for, but by how much you value and respect yourself. So don’t settle. Stand up and demand the respect and love you deserve.
Embrace your inherent worth
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve taken a big step toward self-awareness. You may even recognize some of these behaviors in yourself.
The truth is, we all struggle with self-worth at times. It’s part of the human experience. But it’s important to remember that having low self-esteem is not a life sentence. It’s something you can work on and improve.
Alice Walker once said: “The most common way people give up their power is to think they don’t have it.” And he’s right.
Your worth is not determined by what others think of you, but by how you see and value yourself, so don’t let these signs get you down to embrace your inherent worth.
When you truly realize your worth, you’ll not only stop doing these things, but you’ll start treating yourself with the love, respect, and kindness you deserve.
And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.