Is this you?

When I first saw that infographic about the "9 Signs Of Low Self Worth" – the one with characteristics like difficulty with feedback, critical self-talk, and ignoring achievements – it was like someone had written a secret list about my own life. I've always tried to project an image of confidence, but deep down, I was constantly battling that inner voice telling me I wasn't good enough. Identifying with every single point was a huge wake-up call, and honestly, a bit disheartening at first. But, as the original post says, it's my job to take accountability and start changing it up. Let's talk about some of those signs, because maybe you'll recognize them too. That "critical self-talk" hit me hardest. My mind was a constant loop of negativity, dissecting every mistake, no matter how small, and blowing it out of proportion. I'd tell myself I was inadequate, clumsy, or not smart enough, often before even attempting something new. This inner critic was relentless, and it made me hesitant to take risks or even express my opinions. If I wouldn't say those things to a friend, why was I letting myself be so mean to me? Then there's the "difficulty with feedback." Oh, how I used to dread performance reviews or even casual suggestions. Any constructive criticism felt like a personal attack on my entire being, rather than feedback on a specific task. My mind would immediately jump to, "They think I'm incompetent," instead of, "This is an opportunity to learn and improve." It's exhausting to constantly defend your worth against perceived threats, and it made me close off from valuable insights. And "ignoring achievements"? Guilty as charged. I'd brush off compliments, attribute success to luck, or immediately focus on the next thing I felt I wasn't doing well enough. Someone could praise my work, and my internal monologue would be, "They're just being nice," or "It wasn't that good, anyone could've done it." It’s crazy how we deny ourselves credit and refuse to let ourselves feel proud of our accomplishments, big or small. It's like my brain had a filter that only let negative information through. So, what does this have to do with "high self esteem"? Well, for me, recognizing these signs was the crucial first step towards understanding what high self-esteem actually is – it’s not arrogance or thinking you're better than others. It's a quiet confidence, a belief in your inherent worth, and the ability to accept yourself, flaws and all. It's about being kind to yourself and trusting your own judgment. The journey to building higher self-esteem is ongoing, but here are some small steps I've found helpful: I actively challenge that critical self-talk by asking, "Is this thought true? Would I say this to a loved one?" I'm trying to reframe feedback as a tool for growth, separating my identity from my performance. I also make an effort to celebrate small wins – even just finishing a task or making a healthy choice. It's about consciously shifting my mindset and giving myself the same grace I extend to others. It's not easy, but realizing I'm not alone in these struggles, as this infographic highlights, makes the path forward feel a little less daunting.