Self-esteem can be said to be the cornerstone of our emotional health and personal growth. It shapes how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world around us. Yet, many of us unknowingly engage in behaviors that erode our self-esteem, leaving us feeling inferior and uncertain. If you have ever felt your self-esteem to be on shaky ground, you’re not alone. In this article, we will explore some common ways in which people unknowingly sabotage their own self-esteem. We will also provide you with effective strategies to counteract these less obvious habits. Read on to know them all!
1. Slouching Down
The relationship between stress and poor posture is a fascinating one. Studies indicate that your posture can influence your stress levels, and conversely, stress can impact your posture (1). When you maintain an upright or straight posture, it not only benefits your self-esteem and mood but can also mitigate feelings of tiredness. This enhances your ability to cope with stress effectively. On the other hand, adopting a slouched posture may lead to the opposite effect, leaving you feeling fatigued, less self-assured, and in a negative emotional state.
2. Procrastinating
People grappling with low self-esteem often find themselves more prone to procrastination than otherwise. This arises from a subconscious belief that delaying or sidestepping tasks can serve as a convenient excuse should the results fall short. These people harbor a deep fear of imperfection and inadequacy, and procrastination becomes their coping mechanism in the face of this anxiety.
Regrettably, procrastination only perpetuates a cycle of heightened anxiety, mounting guilt, and dwindling energy, that further erodes self-esteem. For those who identify with this pattern, a helpful shift in mindset is worth considering. Letting go of the notion that everything must be executed flawlessly can provide a sense of relief. Embracing the process itself and finding joy in it can be liberating. Additionally, when tackling a task, try to redirect your focus away from the aspects you dislike and concentrate on the rewards and benefits awaiting you upon completion. In doing so, you may find a more productive and self-esteem-boosting path forward.
3. You Use Words Like ‘Should’ And ‘Must’
These words don’t really carry a negative connotation; however, they can pose challenges when you establish exceedingly difficult-to-reach goals and refuse to acknowledge anything less as satisfactory. Imposing high standards often leads to heightened stress, and if you find it challenging to adhere to them, you’re likely to experience disappointment in yourself. It’s important to cultivate a mindset shift where, when you set goals, you grant yourself the space to embrace imperfection and accept the possibility of making mistakes. In doing so, you can foster a more compassionate and forgiving approach toward your personal growth and achievements.
4. You Always Hold Yourself Accountable
If you are a person who frequently grapples with feelings of guilt, it can be beneficial to engage in some self-reflection. Take note of the circumstances that trigger these emotions and the thoughts that surface in such moments. Challenge yourself to critically assess whether a mistake is genuinely your responsibility. Seeking a different perspective on the same situation can also provide valuable insight. Before holding yourself accountable, it is important to ask yourself if you are actually the reason behind the mishap. Trusting yourself is the key to uplifting your self-esteem in the long run.
5. You Always Expect The Worst
It’s common to believe that anticipating the worst possible outcome can be a helpful strategy, as it prepares you to cope with adversity and can even lead to relief if things go smoothly. However, this mindset can reinforce the belief that you are perpetually unsuccessful and that your efforts consistently fall short of expectations. The mantra should be to prepare for the worst but expect the best.
6. You Always Settle For Less
Due to low self-esteem, you might often find yourself settling for less, whether it’s in your professional life or your relationships. This often stems from a belief that you don’t deserve more and should simply be content with what you currently have. It’s important to recognize that this perception isn’t correct. Don’t allow self-doubt or self-criticism to hinder you from pursuing and attaining the things you genuinely desire. If your aspirations are valid, you deserve to strive for and achieve what truly fulfills you.
By understanding these pitfalls and embracing these solutions, you can take control of your self-esteem, nurture a healthier self-image, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. We need to keep in mind that self-esteem is not a fixed trait but a dynamic aspect of your well-being that you can shape and strengthen. More power to you!