When you possess self-confidence, you have a positive yet realistic perception of your abilities. In contrast, a lack of self-confidence often causes self-doubt and a general feeling of inferiority. A number of signs point to low self-confidence.
Critical Outlook
A lack of self-confidence can cause you to be highly critical of yourself and others. You may be ashamed of your appearance and convinced that you don't stack up to others. Your sense of unworthiness can make you quick to reject a compliment.
Striving for Perfection
When you don't have self-confidence, you may try to compensate for your perceived inadequacies by overachieving and striving for perfection. You may think that if you are without faults you will please others and win their acceptance, according to the University of Illinois Counseling Center.
Negative Thinking
Focusing on your mistakes and assuming the worst is a classic sign of low self-worth, according to SelfEsteemAwareness.com. You may allow one negative event or outcome to define who you are. You may, for instance, want to give up and quit school simply because you received an average score on one test.
Fearfulness
A fear of failure may make you shy away from taking risks when you have low self-confidence. You may become fearful of the opinion of others since you tend to rely so heavily on their approval.
Body Language
Low self-confidence can show in your body language. You may avoid making eye contact, stare down at your hands nervously and hunch your shoulders. You may also appear edgy and tense rather than calm and self-assured.
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