“You are worthy of more than you feel and capable of more than you believe"
- Do you feel stuck in your life, always raising the bar for yourself, seeking perfectionism but feeling in panic and exhausted instead?
- Do you feel restless, always procrastinating decisions and feeling guilty and ashamed?
- Do you find it hard to say no?
- Do you blame yourself when things go wrong?
- Is your life a constant inner struggle of self-doubt and self-criticism?
- Do you compare yourself to people around you to reduce uncertainty?
- Are you second-guessing yourself, focusing on your negatives and ignoring your achievements?
Self-esteem is a critical component of mental health and well-being, influencing how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we navigate the challenges of life.
A healthy level of self-esteem can lead to greater confidence, resilience, and success. In contrast, low self-esteem can have the opposite effect, leading to negative self-talk, self-sabotage, and a lack of confidence. It’s important to recognise that low self-esteem can manifest in various ways and may not always be easy to identify in oneself. In this list, you’ll find some common ways that self-esteem can show up in your life, both positively and negatively, to help you recognise the signs of low self-esteem and take steps towards improving your self-esteem and well-being.
How could low self-esteem show up in your life?
1. Perfectionism
An excessive need to be perfect and fear of making mistakes can indicate low self-esteem.
2. Procrastination
Putting off tasks or responsibilities can be a sign of low self-esteem, as one may doubt their abilities to complete the task or fear failure.
3. People-pleasing
Constantly seeking validation and approval from others and putting their needs above your own can indicate low self-esteem.
4. Self-criticism
Engaging in negative self-talk and constant self-criticism can also be a sign of low self-esteem.
5. Self-sabotage
Behaviors that undermine one’s own success, such as procrastination, can be indicative of low self-esteem.
6. Avoidance
Avoiding challenges or situations that might make you feel uncomfortable or vulnerable can also be a sign of low self-esteem.
7. Comparing yourself to others
Constantly comparing oneself to others and feeling inadequate or inferior can also indicate low self-esteem.
8. Lack of boundaries
People with low self-esteem may struggle with setting boundaries and saying “no” to others, leading to feelings of resentment and being taken advantage of.
9. Fear of failure
Fear of failure or making mistakes can also be a sign of low self-esteem, as one may feel that they are not capable of handling failure or setbacks.
“You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
“If you are doing things in order to be happy... you're doing them in the wrong order."
