What low self-esteem can feel like
- Harsh inner critic; downplaying wins
- Difficulty accepting compliments or help
- Avoiding risks, opportunities, or visibility
- People-pleasing at the cost of your needs
Small practices to try
Evidence journal
Daily, list 1–3 things you did well—facts over feelings.
Compassion break
Talk to yourself like a friend: “This is hard, and I’m learning.”
Strengths inventory
Name 5 strengths and one small way to use one today.
Boundaries script
“I can’t do that today. I can offer X by Friday.”
Rewriting the inner story
Notice all-or-nothing thoughts and gently replace them with balanced ones: “I made a mistake, and I can repair it.” Confidence follows practice.