Everyone has times when they’re not feeling their best, but they should pass in time.
However, for some people, insecurities about their personality and appearance can be deep-rooted and impossible to shake, no matter what they do. If you catch yourself saying these things a lot, it might be time to explore where these feelings are coming from and start working on addressing them. After all, you’re amazing, and you deserve to feel like it!
1. “I’m sorry, I know I’m being annoying.”
Constantly apologising for simply expressing yourself can show that you’re afraid of being a burden. It suggests that you doubt your worth and might feel like your presence is an inconvenience to everyone. In truth, you deserve to be heard, and your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. No one should feel like they have to apologise for being themselves.
2. “I look awful today.”
Saying this out loud is often a way to get reassurance or express your own struggle with how you see yourself. If this has become a habit, it might be a sign that you’ve been too harsh on your appearance. Constantly focusing on perceived flaws can chip away at your confidence over time. It’s important to remember that beauty comes in many forms, and you’re no exception.
3. “I could never pull that off.”
When you say this, it shows a lack of confidence in your self-expression. You’re telling yourself there’s something about you that isn’t good enough to try new things or look a certain way. In reality, there are no rules about what you can or can’t do, and it’s time to embrace your own style and uniqueness. Don’t limit yourself before even giving it a shot.
4. “It’s just luck — I’m not really that good.”
Downplaying your accomplishments by attributing them solely to luck can be a sign of not recognising your own skills. It suggests that you’re not valuing your own hard work and ability. The truth is, you’ve earned your achievements, and you should be proud of them. Own your success and acknowledge the effort you put in.
5. “I bet they don’t really like me.”
This phrase reflects a fear of rejection and feeling unworthy of connection. You might be projecting your insecurities, assuming people don’t genuinely care about you, even when there’s no real reason to think that. It’s easy to doubt how people see you, but trust that people enjoy your company for who you are. Give yourself the credit you deserve in your relationships.
6. “I’m such a mess.”
Referring to yourself in negative terms, especially in tough moments, signals a struggle with how you view yourself. Everyone has bad days, but constantly calling yourself a “mess” can reinforce feelings of inadequacy. You might be going through a rough patch, but that doesn’t define you as a person. Try to show yourself the same compassion you’d give a friend in the same situation.
7. “I can’t believe you’d want to spend time with me.”
Saying this implies that you feel unworthy of someone’s attention or affection. You might feel like you don’t bring enough to the table, but the fact that they want to be with you says otherwise. Your company is valuable, and people enjoy being around you for who you are, not just what you can offer. You’re more than enough as you are.
8. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”
This is another way of worrying you’re being a burden, assuming people have more important things to do than spend time with you. It reflects a lack of self-worth, believing that your presence is an inconvenience. In reality, people make time for the people they care about, and your company is worth their time. You deserve to be prioritised just like anyone else.
9. “I wish I looked more like them.”
Constantly comparing yourself to other people reveals dissatisfaction with your own appearance. When you focus too much on how someone else looks, it’s easy to forget the things that make you unique and special. There’s no need to measure yourself against someone else’s standards — your individuality is what makes you shine. Embrace your own beauty instead of wishing for someone else’s.
10. “Sorry, I’m just being stupid.”
Apologising for making a mistake or misunderstanding something suggests you have little self-compassion. Everyone slips up from time to time, but it doesn’t mean you’re stupid or incapable. It’s important to remind yourself that mistakes are part of learning, not a reflection of your intelligence. Give yourself the same grace you would offer anyone else in your position.
11. “I’ll probably fail, so why even try?”
Expecting failure before you’ve even started signals a lack of belief in your abilities. When you doubt yourself from the start, it’s easy to shy away from challenges altogether. But avoiding challenges only reinforces the belief that you’re incapable. Giving yourself a chance to succeed, even if it’s difficult, is key to building confidence.
12. “I don’t deserve this.”
Whether it’s a compliment, success, or happiness, believing you don’t deserve something good can point to deep-rooted insecurities. You might feel like you’re not worthy of positive things, even when you’ve earned them. The truth is, everyone deserves good things, and you’ve earned your place in the spotlight. Embrace your achievements and enjoy the positive moments in life.
13. “Nobody really cares what I think.”
If you find yourself saying this, it’s a sign that you’re undervaluing your own opinions and feelings. You might be afraid that what you say doesn’t matter to other people, but that’s simply not true. Your thoughts and perspectives are valuable and worth sharing. Don’t hold back — people care about what you have to say.
14. “I know I’m not good enough.”
This is a direct reflection of low self-esteem. When you constantly feel like you don’t measure up, it affects everything from your relationships to your goals. Recognising this thought pattern is the first step in challenging it and realising that you are more than enough. Start acknowledging your strengths and giving yourself credit where it’s due.
15. “I’ll never be as good as they are.”
Constantly comparing yourself to everyone else is a major sign of insecurity. It can be easy to get stuck in the comparison trap, but doing so only takes away from your own progress. Everyone has their own unique path and pace — measuring your success against someone else’s is unfair to yourself. Celebrate your own growth instead of focusing on where you think you fall short.
16. “They’re just being nice — they don’t really mean it.”
Dismissing compliments as just being polite is a way of rejecting positive feedback because you’re unsure of your own worth. If you’re constantly downplaying compliments, it’s a sign that you’re struggling to accept your own value. It can be hard to believe anyone sees good things in you when you struggle to see them yourself. Letting yourself accept praise is a crucial step towards building self-worth.
