8 Warning Signs of Low Self-Worth and How to Break the Cycle

Discover 8 common behaviors that signal low self-worth and learn how to break free from these patterns to cultivate self-love, confidence, and healthier behaviors.

If you’re struggling with low self-worth, it can feel like being stuck on a never-ending hamster wheel—constantly running in circles, trying to prove you’re worthy of love, connection, validation, appreciation, respect, and acceptance.

No matter how hard you try, the finish line always seems out of reach. 

It’s exhausting, isn't it?

Well, lemme tell you…I was on that hamster wheel. And I ran my little hamster feet right into a personal health crisis with Chronic Fatigue (CFS) that lasted 4 long years. 

...I was miserable, scared, and losing precious time with my family, friends, and business. I felt like I was never gonna heal.

I finally got wise to the unhealthy coping strategies that were running amok in my life.

Breaking free from harmful thoughts and embracing true value & worth

I had to dig deep into my shadow work and acknowledge my part in my pain. I had to uproot beliefs around taking up space on this planet and being worthy of putting my wants and needs first.

Even more work had to be done as a mother. I had to acknowledge and change the unspoken expectations & unpaid, lopsided division of labor that plague many mommas.

I needed to learn to give myself permission (guilt and shame-free) to speak up for my needs and stop chronic people-pleasing. 

You might be on autopilot and not recognize the signs, so let's do a little discovery together. I’ll keep the convo light, and maybe we can have a laugh together at how relatable these can be. FYI...humor is amazing at breaking the psychological hold these patterns have on us. 

• People-Pleasing
  • Who hasn’t been there? You say “yes” to everything, even when your schedule looks like a Tetris game. Spoiler alert: You’re not responsible for everyone’s happiness.

• Self-Sabotage
  • Oh, the classic “Why am I like this?” moment. You want success and fulfillment, but when it’s within reach, suddenly The Bridgertons and junk food seem more appealing. You’re not alone in this one!

• Negative Self-Talk
  • Q. Are you verbally abused? By the voice in your head? Your inner voice can sometimes be the worst roommate ever, constantly pointing out your flaws. It’s time to evict that critic and replace it with, "Hey, I’m doing my best!"

• Overworking
  • Filling every second of your day with tasks to feel “worthy.” Newsflash: Your value isn’t tied to your to-do list that might be as long as a novel. Take a nap; you’ve earned it.
  • Funny related story about astrology (if you’re into it): I came across a meme where cats represented each zodiac sign. I’m a Capricorn. When my sign came up, the cat was driving a car to a training workshop on how to get ahead in business. I laughed uncontrollably for about a minute. I’m like, “oh my goddess, that’s totally me!”

• Numbing Behaviors
  • Whether it’s scrolling endlessly or finishing off a box of chocolate donuts, these distractions keep you from facing what’s really bothering you. (But hey, chocolate donuts aren’t the enemy! Especially with a hot, oak milk latte)

• Avoiding Conflict
  • Saying yes to keep the peace, while internally you’re screaming “Noooo!” Speaking up for yourself doesn’t make you the bad guy—it makes you real. It builds healthier relationships through honesty. 

• Perfectionism
  • Trying to be perfect is exhausting. Guess what? Nobody’s perfect. Imperfection is kind of the best part of being human. 

• Isolation
  • Feeling unworthy can lead to isolation, but staying connected—even if you have to force it sometimes—is a major game-changer.

Here are a few ways to improve self-worth:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Stop that inner critic in its tracks. Replace "I can’t" with "I’m learning" or "I'm getting better and better each day."
• Set Boundaries: Saying "no" protects your energy and shows you respect your own time because here's the truth...if you don't respect it, no one else will. 
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge even the tiniest victories. Every step forward counts!
• Practice Self-Care: Invest in things that nourish you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
• Hire a Coach: You might know what you need to do. After all, information is everywhere. But...knowing isn’t enough. You probably need a plan and some firm, loving accountability. To make steady, meaningful progress, get a plan and someone to hold you accountable. (This is what my biz coach said, and it made so much sense...so I hired her.)

Lemme sum up…You CAN get off the hamster wheel. 

By recognizing these subtle, undermining beliefs and behaviors, you can step off and start embracing healthier habits that support your well-being.

Remember, you're worthy of every bit of self-care and compassion you give yourself permission to receive—because you deserve to be “unapologetically” you and take up space on this planet. You're worthy just by existing!

Take back your power and make some positive, lasting changes for yourself.