The Connection Between Self-Worth and Bad Habits

If you struggle with your feelings of self-worth and confidence, you may want to examine your habits. You could have some behaviors that are contributing to your feelings of low self-esteem and learning to identify and then change these can help raise your opinion of yourself as well as improve your overall confidence. 

You may engage in some seemingly innocent behaviors that are contributing to your problems with self-worth. Or, you may allow others to treat you in ways that discount your strength and contributions. Knowing how your habits affect how you think about yourself as well as act toward others is essential to improving your sense of self and bolstering your confidence in your capacities. 

Bad Habits that Damage Your Self-Worth

Treating Yourself Too Harshly

You have an inner monologue that is continually running through your mind. Whether you are consciously paying attention to it or not, it’s always there. This constant stream of words can either lift you up or tear you town, depending on what you are saying to yourself. Are you continually criticizing yourself? Are you always the first to put yourself down? 

The words you say, especially to yourself, matter. Your mind hears them and internalizes them. Listen to how you talk to yourself and make an effort to make these words positive and uplifting. Focus on your strengths and give yourself compliments. 

Not Having Clear Boundaries

If you want people to respect you, your time, your belongings, and your space, you have to create boundaries. When your boundaries are unclear, though, it allows others to take advantage of you, which in turn leaves you with a lack of self-worth and respect. The bad habit of unclear boundaries means others are more likely to place their needs above yours.

Don’t allow people to disrespect you by taking advantage. Make your boundaries clear to others, and when those are not respected, stand up for yourself. This will provide you with a sense of empowerment and strength that can help build your esteem. 

Comparing Yourself To Others

Comparing yourself to others in real life and on social media is a destructive habit that can be draining your self-worth. Whether you are judging others to bolster your own confidence, or you judge yourself based on your perceptions of others’ lives, living through comparisons is not healthy for your sense of self. Focus instead on your own values, beliefs, and needs. Measure your successes against your own goals, not those of someone else. Comparison is very hard on your self-worth, so avoid it all costs. 

Surrounding Yourself with Negative People

You may not even realize that who you choose to spend time with can have a significant impact on your self-worth. While the negativity of others represents their own bad habit, your poor behavior choice is continuing to spend time with people who offer very little positive energy to your life. These people will drain you of your confidence and optimism, so break the bad habit now and release the toxic people from your life if you want to improve your self-confidence. 

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the negative behaviors you may have that could be contributing to your low sense of self-worth. Examples of others include always saying yes to others, doubting your instincts, avoiding taking chances, not forgiving yourself, and apologizing when you’ve done nothing wrong. 

Any behavior that doesn’t lift you and support your emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth and health should be critically examined for revision. Learning to change these bad habits can help improve your sense of self.