If you’re tired of being underestimated, say goodbye to these 10 habits

Ever feel like people don’t take you seriously?

You’re not alone.

Sometimes, it’s the little things we do that make others underestimate us.

But guess what? You can change that.

In this article, we’ll talk about 10 habits you should drop if you want people to see the real you.

Let’s get started.

Habit #1: Doubting Yourself

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” even before you’ve tried?

That’s self-doubt talking.

And guess what? It’s a dream killer.

When you doubt yourself, you’re setting up a roadblock before you even start.

People can sense that lack of confidence. And they’re less likely to take you seriously because of it.

So, what should you do?

Start believing in yourself. Even if you’re not 100% sure, give it a go.

You might just surprise yourself—and everyone else.

Habit #2: Overthinking Every Decision

You know that feeling when you’re staring at a menu, unable to decide between the burger and the salad?

And then you end up not enjoying either because you’re too busy wondering if you made the right choice?

Yeah, that’s overthinking in action.

It doesn’t just happen with menus; it can creep into bigger life decisions too. Should you take that job offer? Should you move to a new city? The more you overthink, the more you freeze up.

Here’s the deal: Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. Sometimes, you’ve got to go with your gut and take the leap. Sure, you might stumble, but you’ll also learn something valuable for next time.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a loop of endless thoughts, remember: not making a decision is a decision in itself. And it’s usually not the best one.

Habit #3: Playing It Safe

Look, nobody ever made history by sticking to their comfort zone.

You might think playing it safe keeps you from making mistakes. But you know what it really does? It keeps you small.

You miss out on opportunities. You let chances slip by. And for what? To avoid a little discomfort?

Here’s the hard truth: If you’re not willing to risk failure, you’re not ready for success.

So go ahead, take that risk. Speak up in that meeting. Apply for that job you think you’re not qualified for. Ask that person out.

Yeah, you might fall flat on your face. But at least you’ll know you gave it your all. And that’s worth more than a lifetime of wondering “what if.”

Habit #4: Always Saying “Yes”

You might think being agreeable and saying “yes” to everything makes you likable and opens doors.

But here’s the twist: It actually does the opposite.

When you say “yes” to everything, you spread yourself too thin. You end up stressed, overworked, and, let’s be honest, a bit resentful.

Plus, people start to see you as someone who can’t set boundaries. And that’s not a good look.

The magic word? “No.” Use it. Not just for your sake, but for others too. When you say “no” to things that don’t align with your goals or values, you’re actually saying “yes” to what truly matters.

And that makes you someone people will respect, not underestimate.

Habit #5: Avoiding Difficult Conversations

You know that awkward chat you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s about a raise you think you deserve, or a relationship that’s not working out.

It’s easy to dodge these talks. After all, who wants to rock the boat?

But here’s the thing: avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t make the problem go away. It just piles up, like unread emails in your inbox. And the longer you wait, the harder it gets.

So, take a deep breath and have that talk. It might not be as bad as you think. In fact, it could be the start of something better—a better job, a better relationship, a better you.

And hey, even if it doesn’t go as planned, at least you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you faced it head-on.

Habit #6: Comparing Yourself to Others

Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to think everyone else has it all figured out. Perfect jobs, perfect relationships, perfect lives.

But let’s get real: what you see online is just a highlight reel. It’s not the full story.

When you compare yourself to others, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. You’re also ignoring all the progress you’ve made and the unique qualities that make you, well, you.

Instead of looking sideways, look forward. Focus on your own journey. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. And when you do look at others, let it be for inspiration, not for self-judgment.

Remember, the only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

Habit #7: Blaming Others for Your Problems

It’s easy to point fingers. Your boss is a jerk. Your partner doesn’t understand you. Your friends are holding you back.

But here’s the deal: blaming others might feel good in the moment, but it won’t get you anywhere.

You’re the captain of your own ship. If you’re not happy with where you’re at, it’s on you to change course.

Sure, life throws curveballs. People disappoint us. But how we react—that’s all us.

So, stop giving away your power. Own your choices, your mistakes, and your victories. Because when you take responsibility for your own life, that’s when the magic happens.

Habit #8: Chasing Perfection

You might think that striving for perfection is the key to being taken seriously. After all, who doesn’t admire someone who’s flawless?

But here’s the catch: perfection is an illusion. And the more you chase it, the more you set yourself up for failure.

Not only does this endless quest eat up your time and energy, but it also makes you less relatable. People connect with authenticity, not robots.

So, give yourself permission to be imperfect. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Laugh about them.

That’s how you grow, and that’s how you earn people’s respect—not by pretending to be something you’re not.

Habit #9: Ignoring Self-Care

You might think that always being “on” shows dedication and passion. You’re the first to arrive and the last to leave, always available for that extra project or social event.

But here’s what often happens: you burn out. And when you’re running on empty, it shows. Your work suffers, your relationships strain, and you start to lose sight of what really matters.

So, don’t forget to take a step back and recharge. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book, a weekend getaway, or even just a long walk—make time for it.

You’ll come back refreshed, more focused, and better equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way. And people will notice the difference.

Habit #10: Fearing Change

Change is inevitable. Jobs change, relationships evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

Yet, so many of us resist change like it’s the enemy. We cling to the familiar, even when it’s not serving us well.

But here’s the thing: change is how we grow. It’s how we discover new opportunities, learn new skills, and become better versions of ourselves.

So instead of fearing change, embrace it. Welcome new experiences with open arms. Be adaptable, be flexible, and most importantly, be open to the endless possibilities that come with change.

And you know what? When you stop fearing change, you become someone people can’t help but take seriously.