You don’t want to miss these signs of low self-esteem.
– Do you struggle with low self-esteem?
It’s estimated that nearly 85% of people experience low self-esteem at some point in their lives. Low self-esteem can manifest in many ways, from negative self-talk to fear of failure, and can prevent you from reaching your full potential and living a fulfilling life.Having low self-esteem can be challenging and can make it difficult to feel confident and happy in your own skin. It can impact your relationships, career, and overall well-being. The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your self-esteem and live a more fulfilling life.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 common signs of low self-esteem and offer tips on how to overcome them. By recognizing these signs and learning strategies to build self-esteem, you can live a happier and more fulfilling life.
1. Perfectionism: An Excessive Need to Be Perfect
Perfectionism is a sign of low self-esteem that can lead to fear of failure and prevent you from taking risks.
Perfectionism is your treadmill. It keeps you running day and night around the same loop: “You are not enough. You should do more. You should try harder”.
To overcome perfectionism, it’s important to recognize that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate small achievements and avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
2. Procrastination: Putting Off Tasks Due to Doubts About Your Abilities
Procrastination is like being a goalkeeper who knows the ball is coming towards them, but instead of preparing to catch it, they wait until the last second to dive for the ball. As a result, you’re more likely to miss the ball or make a mistake. Similarly, when you procrastinate, you’re aware of your tasks and responsibilities, but you delay taking action until the very last moment. Procrastination is another sign of low self-esteem, as you may doubt your abilities or fear failure. It can lead to increased stress, errors, and missed opportunities. To overcome procrastination, break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on progress. Remind yourself that no one is perfect and that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing.
3. People-Pleasing: Constantly Seeking Validation and Approval
People-pleasing is a common behaviour among those with low self-esteem. People-pleasing is like trying to keep a beach ball submerged in water. No matter how hard you push it down, it eventually pops back up to the surface. Similarly, when you’re a chronic people-pleaser, you’re constantly trying to make everyone happy, putting their needs before your own, and sacrificing your own wants and desires in the process. But like the beach ball, your own needs and desires will eventually resurface, and trying to suppress them for too long can be exhausting and ultimately unsustainable. Start by saying “no” to requests that do not align with your values or priorities, and focus on building meaningful relationships rather than seeking constant validation.
4. Self-Criticism: Negative Self-Talk and Feelings of Inadequacy
Self-criticism is like a magnifying glass that only focuses on your flaws and shortcomings. When you hold it up to your face, it enlarges the smallest imperfections, making them appear bigger and more significant than they really are. Just as a magnifying glass can distort the way you see things, self-criticism can distort the way you see yourself. It can make you feel inadequate, insecure, and unworthy of love and respect, even though these feelings are often unfounded. It’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. To overcome self-criticism, challenge negative beliefs about yourself and focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Start by keeping a gratitude journal and writing down three things you’re proud of each day. Remember that self-criticism brings you down whereas high self-esteem lifts you up.
5. Self-Sabotage: Behaviours That Undermine Your Success
Self-sabotage is a sign of low self-esteem that can prevent you from achieving your goals. To overcome it, recognize that you are worthy of success and take steps to build self-confidence. Start by setting small, achievable goals and celebrate progress along the way.
6. Avoidance: Stepping Away from Challenges or Vulnerable Situations
Avoidance is another comon sign of low self-esteem that can prevent you from growing and developing. To overcome avoidance, challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Start by trying something new each week, whether it’s a new hobby or activity.
7. Comparing Yourself to Others: Constant Comparison and Feeling Inadequate
Comparing yourself to others is a sign of low self-esteem that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. To overcome it, recognize that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and focus on your own progress and growth. Start by practicing self-compassion and focusing on your own journey, rather than comparing yourself to others.
8. Lack of Boundaries: Struggling to Set Boundaries and Say “No”
Lacking boundaries is another common behaviour among those with low self-esteem. You may struggle to set boundaries and say “no” to others, leading to resentment and feeling took advantage of. To overcome this, it’s important to recognise that setting boundaries is an act of self-care and to communicate your needs clearly and assertively.
Building Self-Esteem Takes Time and Effort
Low self-esteem can be a challenging obstacle to overcome, but it’s not insurmountable. Recognising the signs of low self-esteem and taking steps to build self-competence, self-confidence, and self-worth. This way, you can live a fearless and more fulfilling life. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With time and effort, you can improve your self-esteem and live the life you deserve. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals if needed. Remember, you are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. You deserve to feel good about yourself and your abilities, and you have the power to make positive changes in your life.
What Do I Do Now?
Read The Importance of Building Self-Esteem by Psychology Today: This article explores the impact of low self-esteem on mental health and offers strategies for building self-esteem, such as identifying and challenging negative self-talk and practising self-care.
For more reading, check 20 Signs of Low Self-Esteem (And What to Do About It)” by Positive Psychology: This article provides a more comprehensive list of signs of low self-esteem, including feelings of inadequacy, fear of rejection, and difficulty accepting compliments.
You can find ways to minimise self-sabotaging behaviour in my article here.
If you want to share your thoughts about low self-esteem, we’d love to hear from you.
Feel free to drop us a line at: info@emotionsreframed.com
