All posts tagged: low self-esteem

9 Ways Unhappy People Get In Their Own Way | Nancy Carbone

9 Ways Unhappy People Get In Their Own Way | Nancy Carbone

Published by Jenni Sidey

Have you ever noticed that you self-sabotage your chances of happiness and success whenever you put yourself out there and go for what you really want: that guy, that opportunity, or the career you always wanted? No matter how much you want it, you might say self-sabotaging things to yourself like, “I am not good enough,” “I don’t deserve this,” or “He’ll just leave me.”  Sadly, these signs of low self-esteem only perpetuate the problem because you’re getting in your own way. When you don’t believe in yourself deep down and don’t feel good about yourself, you don’t go for the things you want. Or if you do go for the things you want, you end up sabotaging them because you don’t feel entitled to them.  As a result, you end up acting in ways that reinforce these negative beliefs: You may quit that dream job when the going gets tough, you may procrastinate instead of studying for the exam, or cheat on a partner who you think will cheat on you.  When you have …

3 Exhausting Behaviors Or A Person Obsessed With Being Perfect | Ruth Schimel, PhD

3 Exhausting Behaviors Or A Person Obsessed With Being Perfect | Ruth Schimel, PhD

Published by Jenni Sidey

For some people, striving for perfection feels like a good thing. After all, as a perfectionist, you give everything your best, most concerted efforts. However, perfectionism doesn’t mean your work will be great, and in some cases, trying to be perfect all the time can actually become a self-sabotaging habit. Perfectionists often don’t just want their work to be perfect — they feel like it needs to be, to prove their value to themselves and others. That can lead to an endless inner cycle of self-criticism that lowers self-esteem over time. Although I generally avoid being a perfectionist, I am suffering from the self-sabotaging effects of perfectionism right now as I edit a challenging, long chapter in my seventh book. Losing count of the endless iterations, I find the whole process very humbling. It also exposes how closely my ego is entangled with this process, even though I should be able to let go after less obsessive experiences with previous books.  Yet, in this situation, I realized my issue is tying the chapter topic too …

You Probably Grew Up In A Judgmental Family With Overly Critical Parents If You Have These 11 Habits As An Adult

You Probably Grew Up In A Judgmental Family With Overly Critical Parents If You Have These 11 Habits As An Adult

Published by Jenni Sidey

The signs you were raised in a judgmental family aren’t always obvious when you’re young, but growing up with overly critical parents can quietly shape how you see yourself and relate to others as an adult. Parents who offer unconditional love and emotional support tend to raise children with a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. When kids feel accepted early on, they’re more likely to trust themselves and believe they’re worthy of care and respect. But when parents are harsh, dismissive, or constantly critical, that foundation doesn’t form the same way. Being raised in a judgmental home often leads to low self-esteem, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting others’ intentions later in life. Even long after you’ve moved out and built independence, the emotional impact of parental criticism can linger in subtle but powerful habits. Here are common ways that growing up with judgmental, overly critical parents may still be affecting you today. You probably grew up in a judgmental family with overly critical parents if you have these 11 habits as an adult:  1. You …