If you’re constantly apologizing or seeking validation, you’re more likely to have low self-worth. If you’re always doubting your decisions, it’s clear that you don’t value yourself enough.
But it’s not always this straightforward. Honestly, the human psyche is a maze, and spotting signs of low self-worth in your actions can be a tough task.
Here’s the kicker though – you may be doing things that scream low self-worth without even realizing it. And that’s what I’m here to talk about today. Let’s uncover 8 hidden signs that may reveal a lack of self-esteem.
Remember, it’s okay if you identify with some of these signs – we’re all on a journey of self-improvement. So, let’s dive in and start understanding ourselves better.
1) You’re always saying sorry
Life can be a whirlwind of chaos and confusion.
Moments fly past us, decisions are made on the fly, and sometimes, things go awry. It’s normal to say sorry when you mess up – it shows you acknowledge your mistakes and are willing to make amends.
But here’s where it gets tricky.
Are you the kind of person who apologizes for everything, even when it’s not your fault? Do you say sorry when someone bumps into you in the street or when your opinion differs from someone else’s?
If you do, this might be a sign that you’re struggling with low self-worth.
You see, being overly apologetic often means that you’re placing other people’s comfort and feelings above your own. You’re essentially telling yourself that your feelings are less important, and that’s not right.
Everyone has a right to occupy 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) You’re 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 might 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 okay, if my work was good enough, or even if my ideas were worth sharing.
I’d feel anxious and unsure until someone reassured me. It was as though 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-worth. I was giving other people the power to determine my worth based on their views and opinions.
If you’re doing this too, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. Your worth isn’t defined 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 to validate your worth.
3) You’re 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 find yourself often going out of your way to accommodate others, to the point of sacrificing your own needs and desires, then you might be a people-pleaser.
This behavior is often linked with low self-worth. Why? Because it stems from the belief that you need to make others happy 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’re overly critical of yourself
We all make mistakes, it’s a part of being human.
Some of us accept these mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Others, however, tend to dwell on these errors, criticizing themselves harshly for each misstep.
If you find yourself constantly berating yourself for every mistake, no matter how small, then this could be a sign of low self-worth.
This self-criticism often stems from the belief that you’re not good enough unless you’re perfect. But let me tell you something important – nobody is perfect.
It’s okay to strive for excellence, but it’s also okay to be kind to yourself when you stumble. Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Your worth is not defined by your mistakes but by your ability to rise after every fall.
5) You downplay your achievements
Success is a relative term.
What might seem like a small feat to someone could be a massive achievement for someone else. And that’s perfectly okay. What’s not okay, however, is downplaying your achievements.
I used to do this all the time. I’d brush off compliments about my work, saying it was “nothing special” or that “anyone could do it.” I’d feel embarrassed when someone praised me, and I’d quickly change the subject.
What I didn’t realize was that I was undermining my own efforts and accomplishments. This was because deep down, I didn’t believe that I deserved the praise.
If you’re doing this too, it’s time to pause and give yourself some credit. Your achievements are worth celebrating, no matter how small they may seem. You’ve worked hard for them and you deserve the recognition.
So, instead of downplaying your success, try embracing it with grace and gratitude. Your worth is not defined by what others think of you, but by how you value yourself.
6) You avoid confrontations
It’s natural to want to maintain peace and harmony in our relationships.
But sometimes, to keep the peace, we might end up avoiding confrontations, even when it’s necessary. We might let things slide or ignore our feelings just to avoid an argument.
While this might seem like a good strategy in the short term, it can lead to resentment and bitterness in the long run. More importantly, it might be a sign of low self-worth.
Why? Because by avoiding confrontations, you’re essentially saying that your feelings and opinions aren’t important enough to be expressed or defended.
However, it’s important to remember that your feelings are valid and deserve to be heard. Confrontation doesn’t need to be negative. It can be a healthy way to express your feelings, set boundaries, and maintain respect in your relationships.
Your worth is not determined by how easily you avoid conflicts but by how respectfully you handle them.
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 constantly put other people’s needs before your own and neglect self-care, this could be a sign of low self-worth.
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking time to replenish your energy, to 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 a message to yourself that your well-being isn’t a priority.
But it should be. Your worth isn’t determined by how much you do for others but by how well you take care of yourself. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So make sure to prioritize self-care and refill your cup regularly.
8) You settle for less
In life, it’s important to know your worth and demand respect.
If you’re constantly settling for less than you deserve, be it in relationships, at work, or in any aspect of your life, this could be a sign of low self-worth.
When you believe you’re worth less, you tend to accept less. But here’s the thing – 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 tall and demand the respect and love that you deserve.
Embrace your inherent worth
If you’ve come this far, you’ve taken a big step towards self-awareness. You might have even recognized 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-worth isn’t 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 by thinking they don’t have any.” And she’s right.
Your worth isn’t determined by what others think of you, but by how you see and value yourself. So, don’t let these signs bring you down. Instead, let them be a starting point for your journey towards embracing your inherent worth.
When you truly realize your worth, not only will you stop doing these things, but you’ll also start treating yourself with the love, respect, and kindness that you deserve.
And that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
