James Carter
We all have moments where we question our self-worth, but are you aware of the little things you tolerate because of it?
I’m talking about those tiny, seemingly inconsequential issues that slowly chip away at your self-esteem until one day, you realize you’ve been selling yourself short.
These are the things we often ignore, but that doesn’t mean they don’t impact us.
We’re going to delve into why we tolerate these things, and most importantly, how we can stop.
Because truly understanding our worth is a powerful step towards a better, more fulfilling life. So, let’s get started.
1) You’re constantly saying sorry
Are you someone who’s always saying “sorry”, even for things that aren’t your fault? This is a common sign of low self-worth.
When we don’t value ourselves, we often fall into the habit of apologizing excessively.
We say sorry for expressing our feelings, for asking for what we need, and sometimes, even for existing.
You might think you’re just being polite or avoiding conflict. But in reality, you’re feeding a cycle that diminishes your self-worth even further.
Remember: your feelings and needs are valid. You have a right to express them without constantly apologizing.
It’s time to break this habit and start realizing that you’re worth more than constant apologies.
You are not a burden, and you shouldn’t have to apologize for being you.
2) You settle for less than you deserve
I remember a time when I used to settle for less than I deserved, especially in my relationships.
I would accept less love, less respect, and less appreciation than I knew deep down I was worthy of.
Why did I do this? It was because my self-worth was at an all-time low. I believed that I didn’t deserve any better, and so I allowed myself to be treated poorly.
But here’s the thing: we all deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and love.
Just because you’ve accepted less in the past doesn’t mean you have to continue doing so.
Recognizing this as a sign of low self-worth is the first step towards breaking this cycle.
You are valuable and you deserve to be treated as such. Don’t settle for anything less.
3) You’re overly critical of yourself
Did you know that the human brain has a natural negativity bias? That is, we’re wired to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones.
This served as a survival mechanism in our evolutionary past, but today, it can lead us to be overly critical of ourselves.
If you find yourself constantly berating your actions, decisions, or even your appearance, this could be a sign of low self-worth.
You may be setting unrealistic standards for yourself and then punishing yourself when you don’t meet them.
But remember, nobody is perfect. Not me, not you, not anyone. It’s okay to make mistakes and to learn from them.
Being overly critical of yourself doesn’t help anyone – especially not you.
Next time you catch yourself being overly critical, try to counter it with a positive thought or two. It’s all about balance.
4) You feel uncomfortable receiving compliments
Do you find it hard to accept compliments gracefully?
Instead of simply saying “thank you”, do you downplay your achievements or even deflect the compliment altogether?
This discomfort with praise is often a sign of low self-worth.
You may feel like you don’t deserve the compliment or worry that accepting it will make you appear arrogant.
But here’s the truth: accepting a compliment doesn’t make you conceited.
It shows that you recognize your worth and are comfortable with others recognizing it too.
Next time someone pays you a compliment, resist the urge to downplay it.
Simply smile, say “thank you,” and let it sink in. You deserve to be recognized for your achievements and qualities.
5) You struggle to set boundaries
Setting boundaries was never my strong suit. I used to find myself overworked and overstressed because I couldn’t say “no” when people asked for favors.
I would put other people’s needs before my own, even when it was detrimental to my own well-being.
This struggle to set boundaries often stems from low self-worth.
You might fear that setting boundaries will make others think less of you, or even lead them to reject or abandon you.
But here’s the reality: setting boundaries is not only healthy, it’s necessary.
It doesn’t make you selfish or unkind. In fact, it shows that you value yourself and your time.
If you’re like me and have trouble saying “no”, remember this: it’s okay to prioritize your own needs. It’s okay to set boundaries.
You are worth it.
6) You compare yourself to others
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others.
We see the highlight reels of people’s lives on social media and end up feeling inadequate in comparison.
If you constantly find yourself making these comparisons and feeling like you don’t measure up, it’s likely a sign of low self-worth.
But remember, what you see on social media is often a filtered version of reality.
Everyone has their own struggles and challenges that they don’t share with the world.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey.
Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Recognize your unique strengths and abilities.
You are enough just as you are.
7) You don’t believe in your own potential
The most damaging part of low self-worth is a lack of belief in your own potential.
You might feel like you’re not capable of achieving your dreams, or that you don’t have what it takes to make a difference.
But let me tell you something important: You have untapped potential within you. You have unique talents, abilities and strengths that the world needs.
Don’t let a lack of self-worth keep you from realizing that.
Believing in yourself is the first step towards achieving anything in life.
Start today. Recognize your worth and embrace your potential. You’re capable of more than you know.
Embracing your worth
The journey towards recognizing and embracing your self-worth can be a transformative one.
It’s about acknowledging the little things we put up with due to a lack of self-esteem and consciously working towards changing them.
Our perception of self-worth isn’t something we’re born with.
It’s shaped by our experiences, relationships, and how we interpret them.
And just like it was shaped, it can be reshaped.
As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Let this be your starting point – accepting yourself as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses.
And then, start believing in your worth and potential.
Because you’re not just worthy of respect, love, and kindness from others, but from yourself too.
And once you understand this, you won’t have to put up with anything less.
