Struggling with Self-Confidence

Low self-confidence is a common issue characterized by a lack of trust in one’s abilities, judgment and personal worth. People with low self-confidence often doubt their ability to achieve goals or feel unworthy of success.

One often doesn’t feel good enough, smart enough or skilled enough. In the professional environment it can show as what is called “Imposter syndrome”, where an individual feels like a fraud who does not deserve the success they have achieved and fears to be “found out”. Low self-confidence in general can include hesitancy in decision-making, avoidance of challenges, reluctance to express opinions or an inability to handle criticism.

People with low self-confidence often feel anxious in situations that they aren’t comfortable with and they can feel dissatisfaction or disappointment with the direction their life is taking. Overall, it can lead to missed opportunities both personally and professionally, as individuals may struggle to assert themselves or recognize their full potential.

Low self-confidence can stem from the belief of not being good enough that can originate in early childhood, e.g. because of critical parents or a divorce. It can also come from past experiences such as academic challenges or societal pressures. The roots of low self-confidence can also be found in a fear of failure and a tendency to compare oneself unfavorably to others.