10 Surprising Signs of Low Self Worth and How to Boost It

If you’ve ever wondered if you have low self worth, here are 10 surprising signs of low self worth and how you can start boosting it today! Have you ever found yourself constantly comparing yourself to others? Or perhaps you struggle to accept compliments, dismissing them as insincere or unwarranted. These seemingly insignificant behaviors may actually be signs of something deeper: low self worth.

In this article, we will explore 10 surprising signs of low self worth that you may not even realize you are exhibiting. From self-sabotaging tendencies to negative self-talk, these signs can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and happiness.

We will also discuss effective strategies to boost your self worth and cultivate a positive self-image. So, if you’re ready to uncover the hidden signs of low self worth and take steps towards a more fulfilling life, keep reading!

10 Surprising Signs of Low Self Worth and How to Boost It

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1. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

One common sign of low self worth is the tendency to strive for perfection and fear failure. When you constantly hold yourself to impossibly high standards, you can become paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. And, this can be a sign of low self worth! And, this fear of failure can trap us in a never-ending cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, preventing you from taking risks and pursuing your goals.

Perfectionism often stems from a deep-rooted belief that your worth is derived solely from your achievements and external validation. You may believe that if you can just be flawless in everything you do, then you will finally be worthy of love, acceptance, and success. However, this mindset sets you up for disappointment and self-criticism. No one can maintain such high standards indefinitely.

The fear of failure can also manifest in an aversion to taking risks or trying new things. You may avoid challenging yourself or pursuing your passions out of fear that you will fall short or be judged by others. As a result, this fear can limit your personal and professional growth. And, it can keep you stuck in your comfort zone, preventing you from reaching your full potential.

“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough.”

Julia Cameron

How to Overcome It

To overcome the perfectionism and fear of failure associated with low self worth, it’s important to reframe your mindset and redefine success. Instead of basing your worth on achieving flawlessness, you can shift your focus to personal growth, learning, and resilience.

Embracing the idea that failure is a natural part of the learning process can help alleviate the pressure you put on yourself. And, it can open you up to opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Practicing self-compassion is also crucial in overcoming perfectionism and fear of failure. So, rather than berating yourself for your mistakes or shortcomings, cultivate a kind and supportive inner voice that encourages us to learn from our experiences.

Recognizing and celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can also help boost your self worth and build confidence.

2. Constant Comparison to Others

Another surprising sign of low self worth is constantly comparing yourself to others. In today’s social media-driven society, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives, achievements, and appearances to those of others.

Whether it’s obsessing over someone else’s seemingly perfect relationship or feeling inadequate because of someone else’s success, this habit of comparison can chip away at your self worth.

How to Overcome It

Breaking free from this detrimental habit begins with recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique. Therefore, comparisons are often unfair and unproductive. Simply remind yourself that social media doesn’t reflect the reality of someone’s entire life. By shifting your perspective and embracing your own individuality, you can start to build a stronger sense of self worth. So, instead of berating yourself for not living up to someone else’s standard, you can choose to be kind and supportive. Remind yourself that you are on our own path.

By cultivating a positive inner voice that encourages you to keep moving forward, you can break free from the cycle of comparison and nurture our self worth.

3. Difficulty Accepting Compliments

You may often struggle with another surprising sign of low self worth: difficulty accepting compliments. When someone compliments you, it can feel uncomfortable. So, rather than accepting the kind words graciously, you may deflect or downplay them, dismissing the positive feedback. This behavior is often rooted in a lack of self-belief and a deeply ingrained belief that you are unworthy of praise.

When you struggle to accept compliments, it reinforces the negative narrative you have internalized about yourself. You may feel that you don’t deserve the praise or that others are just being polite. This mindset further erodes your self worth and perpetuates the cycle of low self esteem.

How to Overcome It

To begin breaking this pattern, remind yourself that accepting compliments is not arrogance. It’s a way to acknowledge your own value and worthiness. By gracefully accepting compliments, you allow yourself to receive the positive affirmation we deserve and open the door to building a more positive self-image.

Start by simply saying “thank you” when someone compliments you. Resist the urge to deflect or downplay the kind words. Instead, take a moment to internalize the compliment and genuinely appreciate the positive sentiment behind it. Accepting compliments is not about being boastful; it’s about acknowledging your own strengths and qualities. But, also keep in mind that a compliment is just an opinion. And, if someone wants to share a kindness and say something nice to you, accept it willingly and graciously.

If you find it particularly challenging to accept compliments, consider seeking support from trusted friends, family, or even a therapist. They can offer guidance and encouragement as you work on building your self worth and learning to embrace the positive feedback you receive.

4. People Pleasing and Lack of Boundaries

While it’s a kind gesture to put other people’s needs before your own, doing this frequently is one of the signs of low self worth. Disregarding your own wants and needs can stop you from pursuing your own goals and dreams.

People pleasers will often shift their behavior and attitude to match that of a person or group. And, this can result in you acting in ways that are out of character or participating in actions you disagree with just to fit in socially. People pleasers commonly push their own feelings aside to avoid conflict, even if it means turning into an entirely different person.

“Creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration for boundaries, can lead you to the path of personal happiness.”

Nancy B. Urbach

How to Overcome It

Start looking for patterns in people pleasing behaviors. And, then recognize your limits and placing boundaries around how you spend your time. Think about how much energy and time you really have before making commitments. And, be sure to expend your energy only on the things that align with your values and make you feel good!

5. Criticizing and Judging Yourself Harshly

Many individuals with low self-worth find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-criticism, constantly pointing out their flaws and shortcomings. And, this sign of low self worth can be incredibly damaging, eroding your confidence and preventing you from taking risks and pursuing new opportunities.

When you constantly criticize and judge yourself harshly, you create a negative narrative that becomes deeply ingrained in your subconscious mind. This narrative becomes your default mode of thinking, overshadowing any positive aspects of yourself and reinforcing feelings of unworthiness. It’s as if you have an internal critic that never stops, nitpicking every choice you make and every step you take.

Being overly critical of yourself can stem from a variety of sources, such as past experiences of failure or rejection, societal pressures, or even the influence of critical individuals in your life.

Regardless of the cause, the impact is the same – a constant barrage of negative self-talk that gradually erodes your self-esteem.

How to Overcome It

It’s crucial to challenge these self-critical thoughts and replace them with more positive and compassionate ones. Start by becoming aware of the negative narratives that play in your mind and questioning their validity. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support these harsh judgments or if they are merely self-imposed beliefs.

Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Treat yourself with the kindness and understanding that you would extend to a close friend or loved one. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and has imperfections, and that doesn’t diminish their worth or potential. Embrace your strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Seeking support from trusted individuals, such as friends, family, or a therapist, can also provide guidance and encouragement on your journey towards building self-worth. They can help you gain perspective, challenge self-critical thoughts, and remind you of your inherent value.

6. Avoiding Challenges and Playing it Safe

Once you have started to overcome low self self-worth, it is natural to want to continue growing and pushing yourself. However, one of the surprising signs of low self-worth is a tendency to avoid challenges and play it safe.

When you lack belief in your abilities or fear failure, it becomes easier to retreat into your comfort zone and shy away from any situation that may test your skills or require you to take risks.

Playing it safe can feel like a protective measure, shielding you from potential disappointment or rejection. But in reality, it limits your personal and professional growth, keeping you stagnant and preventing you from reaching your full potential. And, while it’s human nature to seek security and avoid potentially uncomfortable situations, true growth and self-worth come from embracing challenges and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

By playing it safe, you deny yourself the opportunity to discover new passions, develop new skills, and uncover hidden talents. It’s crucial to remember that failure is a part of the learning process and does not define your worth as a person. Embracing challenges, even in the face of potential failure, fosters resilience, builds confidence, and ultimately strengthens your self-worth.

How to Overcome It

So, how can you break free from the allure of playing it safe? Start by identifying the fears and limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Recognize that these fears are often a product of your inner critic, who wants to protect you from any potential harm or embarrassment.

Challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity and reframing them in a more positive and empowering light. And, seek out opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone.

Whether it’s taking on a new project at work, signing up for a challenging class, or pursuing a hobby that intimidates you, embrace the discomfort and trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage you to take risks and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

7. Lack of Self-Care and Prioritizing Others

Neglecting self-care and consistently prioritizing the needs of others can be a telling indication of low self-worth. It’s all too easy to become accustomed to putting everyone else’s needs first, neglecting our own well-being in the process.

How to Overcome It

In order to boost your self-worth and regain a sense of balance, it’s imperative to make self-care a priority. Self-care can take many forms, depending on what resonates with you personally.

It may involve setting aside time for relaxation and mindfulness, engaging in physical activities that bring you joy, or indulging in hobbies and interests that nourish your soul. Whatever form it takes, self-care is a crucial component of boosting self-worth.

When you prioritize self-care, you send a powerful message to yourself and others: you matter. By consciously making time for your own well-being, you validate your own importance and worth. It’s not selfish or indulgent to prioritize self-care; it’s a necessary act of self-love and self-respect.

8. Seeking External Validation

In seeking external validation, another surprising sign of low self-worth, it’s crucial to develop a strong sense of self that is not dependent on the opinions of others. The desire for approval from others often stems from a deep-rooted belief that your worth is defined by how others perceive you. You may find ourselves constantly seeking reassurance, validation, and praise from those around us, unable to feel truly confident or content without their approval.

The irony is that seeking external validation can actually perpetuate feelings of low self-worth. Relying on the opinions of others to validate your worthiness sets you up for disappointment and insecurity. When you you place your value in the hands of others, you allowing them to dictate how you feel about yourself.

How to Overcome It

To break free from this cycle, it’s important to shift your focus inward and cultivate a strong sense of self. This means taking the time to understand your own values, passions, and strengths, and embracing them wholeheartedly. By doing so, you become less reliant on external validation for your self-worth and find fulfillment from within.

It’s not easy to break the habit of seeking validation from others, especially if it has been ingrained in your behavior for a long time. However, by consciously reminding yourself that your worth is not contingent on the opinions of others, you can begin to build a healthier relationship with yourself. And, you can start to trust our own judgment, celebrate our achievements, and acknowledge our own worthiness, irrespective of external validation.

9. Feeling Unworthy of Love and Healthy Relationships

We all crave love and connection, yet when you don’t feel worthy of it, you may unknowingly sabotage your chances at fulfilling relationships. This deeply rooted issue stems from the belief that you are not deserving of love, or that you are fundamentally flawed.

These negative self-perceptions can make it difficult for you to form healthy connections with others and fully experience the love and intimacy that you deserve. When we don’t believe in your own worthiness, you may find yourself settling for less than you deserve in relationships. You may accept behaviors that are disrespectful or harmful because you believe it’s all you are worth. Additionally, your fear of rejection and abandonment may cause you to push people away or cling desperately to relationships that aren’t fulfilling.

These patterns can perpetuate a cycle of low self-worth. In turn, you will continue to feel unworthy of love and attract relationships that reinforce this belief.

How to Overcome It

To break free from this cycle, shift your focus from seeking external validation to cultivating self-acceptance. And, this starts with acknowledging that we are deserving of love and healthy relationships, just like anyone else. Challenge the negative self-talk and question the validity of your beliefs about your own worthiness.

Surrounding yourself with supportive and loving people can also help you see your own value reflected back to you.

Engaging in self-care activities, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion are all essential steps on this journey.

Building self-worth and fostering healthier relationships doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a commitment to self-growth.

It’s important to remember that your worthiness does not depend on someone else’s validation or approval. We are inherently worthy of love and connection, and it’s up to you to embrace and believe in that truth.

“Compassion isn’t some kind of self-improvement project or ideal that we’re trying to live up to. Having self compassion starts and ends with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves, all those imperfections that we don’t even want to look at.”

Pema Chodron

10. Lack of Confidence in Making Decisions

When your self-worth is low, it often spills over into your ability to trust our own judgment and make decisions confidently. You second-guess yourself, doubting your capabilities and fearing the consequences of making the wrong choice. These are common signs of low self worth. This lack of confidence in decision-making can manifest itself in various aspects of your life – from the personal to the professional.

In personal relationships, individuals with low self-worth may struggle to make decisions that prioritize their own needs and desires. They may constantly defer to others, fearing the possibility of disagreement or rejection.

This can lead to a pattern of people-pleasing and always putting others’ wants before their own. They may avoid making decisions altogether, seeking validation from others to avoid the responsibility and potential judgment that comes with choice.

In the professional realm, a lack of confidence in decision-making can hinder career progress and limit opportunities for growth. Low self-worth may prevent you from taking on new challenges or embracing leadership roles. Or, you may rely heavily on others for guidance and approval, missing out on opportunities to showcase your own expertise and innovation.

How to Overcome It

To overcome this lack of confidence, it is crucial to recognize that decision-making is a skill that can be developed and honed. Building self-worth involves learning to trust your abilities. By acknowledging your unique strengths and accomplishments, you can begin to cultivate the belief that your decisions hold value and impact. Seeking support from a trusted mentor or therapist can be beneficial in building confidence.

By sharing your concerns and insecurities, you can gain valuable insights and guidance that help you navigate the decision-making process with greater assurance.

Low Self Worth and How to Boost It

In conclusion, recognizing the surprising signs of low self worth is the first step towards reclaiming your confidence and self-esteem. However, the journey towards boosting your self worth doesn’t end with recognition. It requires action.

Start by practicing self-compassion and challenging those negative thoughts that hold you back. Set healthy boundaries, prioritize self-care, and invest in building your own happiness. Remember, you are deserving of love, success, and happiness.

Embrace the belief that you are enough, just as you are. Take charge of your own narrative and make choices that align with your values and aspirations. Don’t let self-doubt derail you from pursuing your dreams.

As the great Maya Angelou once said, “I’m grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”

You too have something great within you. Don’t be afraid to embrace it, explore it, and share it with the world.

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Disclosure: Melissa Damiani is a participant in the Routine Probiotic Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to merchant, and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking amazon.com. Although I only promote products that I love, use, and have confidence in, always do your own research before purchasing any product or service. Read my disclaimer here.