You’ve probably heard it said a million times that we’re our own worst critics, and that’s definitely the case. However, sometimes that negative self-talk can get so extreme that you end up completely destroying your self-worth as a result. If you’re doing the following things, you’re slowly but surely tearing yourself down and you need to stop.
1. You’re always beating yourself up over mistakes.
One of the biggest red flags is when you can’t let go of your mistakes. Instead of learning from them, you keep replaying them in your head, like a never-ending blooper reel. It’s normal to feel bad about messing up, but if you’re constantly criticizing yourself for every little error, your inner critic is taking the driver’s seat. This constant self-blame can be exhausting. It’s like you’re your own worst enemy, never giving yourself a break. Remember, everyone messes up sometimes – it’s part of being human.
2. You downplay your accomplishments.
If you find yourself shrugging off your successes or achievements as ‘no big deal,’ that’s a sign your inner critic is too loud. You might think anyone could have done it, or it was just luck. But here’s the thing: your achievements are yours, and they deserve recognition, not dismissal. Not allowing yourself to feel proud is like ignoring a pat on the back. Celebrating your wins, big or small, is crucial for building self-worth.
3. You compare yourself to other people all the time.
Falling into the comparison trap? We’ve all been there. But if you’re constantly measuring your life against others and feeling like you never stack up, your inner critic is doing more harm than good. Remember, social media only shows the highlight reels of others’ lives, not the whole picture. Constant comparison can make you feel like you’re always lagging behind. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and your path is unique to you.
4. You have imposter syndrome.
If you’ve never heard the term, it’s when you feel like you don’t deserve your success, like you’re just faking it and everyone’s about to find out. This is your inner critic trying to convince you that you’re not good enough, even when you clearly are. Feeling like a fraud in your own life can be paralyzing. It’s important to challenge these thoughts and recognize your own abilities and efforts. (If you really struggle with imposter syndrome, especially when it comes to dating and relationships, our sister company Sweetn can help with that and more — they have some great advice that can be a total game-changer. Check them out here.)
5. You focus on your weaknesses rather than your strengths.
If you’re always fixated on what you’re bad at, rather than what you’re good at, it’s a sign your inner critic is in control. It’s like you’ve got these blinders on that only let you see your flaws. Balancing your self-view means acknowledging your strengths as much as your weaknesses. Everyone has a mix of both – that’s what makes us all unique.
6. You’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Always expecting the worst-case scenario? That’s your inner critic assuming you’ll fail before you even try. This kind of thinking can stop you from taking chances or trying new things. Pessimism can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Try to challenge these negative predictions by considering more positive or realistic outcomes.
7. You never think anything you do is good enough.
If you’re the type who’s never happy with your work, always thinking you could’ve done better, it might be your inner critic setting unrealistic standards. Perfectionism can seem like a good trait, but it often leads to dissatisfaction and burnout. Remember, perfection is an impossible goal. It’s important to recognize when your efforts are good enough and give yourself credit for them.
8. You’re extremely anxious any time you have to make a decision.
If making even small decisions feels overwhelming, that’s your inner critic creating doubt and uncertainty. You might be afraid of making the wrong choice, so you agonize over every option. Being overly cautious can hold you back from opportunities. Trusting your judgment and being okay with making mistakes is a key part of overcoming this.
9. You feel unworthy of happiness.
Lastly, if you often feel like you don’t deserve happiness or good things in your life, your inner critic is definitely impacting your self-worth. It’s like you have this belief that happiness is for others, but not for you. Feeling unworthy can lead to rejecting positive experiences or relationships. It’s crucial to challenge this belief and remind yourself that you deserve happiness just as much as anyone else.
10. You find it nearly impossible to accept compliments.
When someone compliments you, do you brush it off or argue with them about why it’s not true? If yes, that’s your inner critic talking. Accepting compliments can be hard when you’re used to doubting yourself. Turning down compliments is like rejecting a gift. Try to accept kind words with grace – it’s a small step towards silencing that critical inner voice.
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