Have you ever wondered why certain patterns recur in your life or why you react in ways that don’t make sense?
Low self-esteem can subtly influence your actions and decisions in ways you may not be aware of.
These unconscious behaviors can affect how you interact with others, how you handle challenges, and even how you view yourself.
In this article, we’ll reveal eight things you may be doing without realizing it, all of which are rooted in low self-esteem.
Understanding these hidden habits can be the first step toward making positive changes and boosting your self-confidence.
1) Apologizing Unnecessarily
We’ve all been in situations where we’ve felt the need to apologize.
But do you find yourself apologizing even when it’s not your fault? Or do you feel the need to apologize simply for existing?
According to psychology, this tendency to apologize excessively may be due to low self-esteem.
Here’s why…
People with low self-esteem often feel like they’re at fault, even when they’re not. So they may over-apologize as a way to seek validation and avoid conflict.
It’s important to understand that you don’t need to apologize for everything. You have the right to express your feelings, thoughts, and existence without guilt. Recognize this pattern, and work to correct it.
2) Constant self-criticism
I know this because I’ve been there myself.
I would constantly belittle my accomplishments and skills, telling myself that I wasn’t good enough or smart enough. I would look in the mirror and see nothing but flaws.
I was my own worst critic.
This harsh self-criticism is a classic sign of low self-esteem.
Instead of celebrating our accomplishments, we minimize them. We become more focused on our perceived shortcomings and failures.
A study published in the Journal of Mental Health and Prevention found that constant self-criticism can hinder mental health and lead to self-sabotaging behaviors.
So if you find yourself engaging in a constant internal dialogue of criticism and negativity, it’s time to reevaluate your self-esteem.
It’s essential to learn how to treat yourself with kindness and respect, the same way you would treat a dear friend.
3) Struggling with Decision Making
Did you know that the average adult makes about 35,000 conscious decisions every day?
But for someone with low self-esteem, even the smallest decisions can feel like climbing a mountain.
They may constantly doubt themselves or worry excessively about making the wrong choice.
This struggle often stems from a fear of failure or criticism.
People with low self-esteem may feel that their decisions will inevitably lead to negative outcomes, so they avoid making them altogether or suffer from them for a long time.
4) Difficulty Accepting Compliments
How do you respond when someone compliments you? Do you accept them graciously or ignore and belittle them?
If you tend to ignore compliments, it could be a sign of low self-esteem.
Psychologists explain that compliments can trigger anxiety in people with low self-esteem. So you may feel uncomfortable or think you don’t deserve the compliment.
But the truth is, everyone deserves recognition for their hard work and accomplishments.
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The next time someone compliments you, try to resist the urge to downplay it. Instead, simply say “thank you” and let yourself feel good about it.
Graciously accepting compliments is a small but important step toward boosting your self-esteem.
5) Neglecting Self-Care
Imagine a plant you forget to water, or a pet you don’t feed. They won’t grow, right?
The same goes for us as humans.
When our self-esteem is low, we often neglect taking care of ourselves. We might:
- Skip meals
- Not getting enough sleep
- Fail to exercise regularly
This isn’t because we’re lazy or unhealthy. It’s because we may feel like we’re not worth the effort.
But let me assure you that you deserve it. You deserve to be taken care of, and that starts with taking care of yourself.
6) Avoiding Risks
I used to stay in my comfort zone, avoiding any situation or opportunity that seemed risky or difficult.
I was afraid of failing, making mistakes, or not being good enough.
This fear is common among those with low self-esteem.
We may avoid taking risks because we fear the potential consequences, and we fear that any failure will confirm our negative beliefs about ourselves.
But what I’ve learned is that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Taking risks, big or small, helps us grow and learn.
7) Overworking
Are you always the last one to leave the office? Do you take on extra tasks even when you’re already busy?
This could be a sign of low self-esteem.
People with low self-esteem often overwork themselves in an attempt to prove their worth. They may believe they need to work harder than everyone else to be seen as valuable or successful.
8) Seeking Constant Validation
According to psychology, if you find yourself constantly seeking approval or validation from others, it could be a sign of low self-esteem.
You may feel like your worth is tied to what others think of you, leading you to constantly seek reassurance and approval.
But here’s the truth: Your worth isn’t determined by other people’s opinions. It comes from within. You don’t need anyone else’s validation to feel good about yourself. You are enough, just the way you are.
Final Thought: It’s a Journey
Low self-esteem isn’t a life sentence. It’s an emotional state that can be improved over time with conscious effort and self-love.
Recognizing these eight behaviors can be a crucial step in addressing low self-esteem and making positive changes in your life.
By recognizing how your self-perception influences your actions, you can begin to challenge and change these patterns through self-acceptance, self-love, and positive affirmations.
Embrace the process, seek support if needed, and take proactive steps toward fostering a healthier, more confident you.
