How to Tell If You Have Low Self Esteem

Some people walk around feeling miserable everyday without knowing why. Does this describe you? It could be self-esteem issues. Here are some clues to help you out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A little time and perception.
• Willingness to be honest with yourself.

1. Missing personal appointments or showing up late. Being tardy to work, school, or meetings with friends can be a sign that you aren't valuing your life and the commitments therein. The good news is, you can recognize this behavior and change it, thereby raising your self esteem.
2. Walking with your head bowed/ eyes averted. You may be grouchy; you may feel ugly; or you may just not want to deal with the world right now. Any of these can be from a self esteem problem. Always walk with your chin parallel to the ground; think "up"; and fake it 'til you make it. If you're not satisfied with your appearence, try this: imagine yourself as the most beautiful woman (or handsome man) in the world, and then behave accordingly. Confidence is very attractive.
3. Not taking care of your health/ appearence. People with good self esteem will wash their hair, put on deorderent, and pick out their favorite clothes to wear everyday. They also eat healthy (notice: this excludes starving yourself and emotional overeating alike) and they exercise. This doesn't describe you? Start with the easiest part: if you're a woman, put on makeup (or at least try to look nice.) If you're a man, wear clean clothes and keep your facial hair in check. Go from there to a happier, healthier life!
4. Not taking care of your environment. We all know that life can get in the way of cleaning. Children, pets, jobs, spouses, friends, siblings, on and on and on can mess up your living environment (like house, car, or office.) However, even though we can't keep everything clean, all the time, people with a good self esteem will set aside a little time to put things back in order. Why? Living in a clean house, or driving in a washed car feels good. You're worth it!
5. Constantly feeling the need to criticize others. Stress can be a major factor in how angry we feel, but self esteem is certainly part of the equation. Maybe your hectice schedule is causing you to compromise, thereby giving you low self esteem? Think about it. Make a conscious effort to be kind and courteous to others, and perhaps you will feel a little better about yourself and therefore less stressed.
6. Playing the "human doormat." Saying, "yes" when you mean "no" is a BIG "No-no." Look at it from this angle: is it fair for you to say, "Oh, of course I'll take your clothes to the laundry-mat," when you're really thinking, "Do your own laundry, jerk!" The process of making an agreement with another person and then resenting THEM for your decision is very passive-aggressive. To counter act this, just follow the resentment rule: if you makes you feel resentful to do it, say no. If it doesn't, help someone out and say yes. Be responsible for your own feelings by making them clear to other people.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember: self esteem is earned. If you feel like you haven't done anything with your life, decide what's meaningful to you and go do it! If you feel ugly, act beautiful. If you feel fat, act thin. If you feel angry, determine the source and then act kinder.
• Low self esteem can develop if you are very self-absorbed (resenting other people for your decisions allows you to feel this way, don't forget.) When was the last time you focused totally on someone else without thinking about your own needs? Go find a cause and serve it--you'll feel good about yourself.