7 subtle behaviors of people who don’t believe they deserve better in life

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You deserve the best in life.”

But what happens when you don’t believe it? Yes, you. What if deep down, you don’t believe you’re worthy of the good stuff?

Well, here’s the deal.

It’s not always easy to spot this self-sabotaging mindset in ourselves. It often shows up as subtle behaviors that could be silently holding you back.

Intrigued?

Stick around as we delve into the seven subtle behaviors of people who don’t believe they deserve better in life.

And who knows? You might just discover something about yourself along the way.

1) Constant self-deprecation

Self-deprecation can be a form of humor.

We’ve all made fun of ourselves to break the ice or get a laugh.

But here’s the rub.

When it becomes a constant habit, it can be a sign you’re underestimating your worth. You might be dismissing your achievements, downplaying your skills, and belittling your successes.

In essence, you’re feeding yourself the narrative that you don’t deserve better.

How you talk about yourself influences how you perceive yourself. And that perception? It can shape your life more than you think.

2) Settling for less

Settling for less can be a tricky thing.

You see, it’s easy to confuse it with being content or appreciating what you have.

But there’s a big difference.

Let me share a personal story.

Once upon a time, I was stuck in a job that was far from fulfilling. The pay was mediocre, the work environment was stressful, and there was little room for growth.

But I stayed. Why? Because I convinced myself that this was as good as it gets for someone like me.

Looking back, I now realize that it was one of those subtle behaviors hinting at my belief that I didn’t deserve better.

The truth is, we all deserve opportunities that allow us to grow, flourish, and feel valued. So, if you’re consistently settling for less than you deserve, it might be time to ask yourself why.

3) Tolerating mistreatment

Let’s get real for a moment.

Have you ever let someone treat you poorly and done nothing about it? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that it’s not a big deal, or that you’re just overreacting.

I’ve been there too.

We often tolerate mistreatment from others, be it in relationships, friendships, or at work. We make excuses for the people treating us poorly, convincing ourselves that we’re just being “understanding” or “patient.”

But here’s the hard truth.

Tolerating mistreatment is often a sign that we’ve internalized the belief that we don’t deserve respect, kindness, or fairness. And until we challenge this belief, we’ll keep allowing others to treat us less than we deserve.

No matter the circumstances, remember this – you are worthy of respect and kindness, always.

4) Neglecting self-care

When was the last time you took a break just for yourself?

It sounds like a simple question, but you’ll be surprised by how many people struggle to answer it.

You see, neglecting self-care often stems from the belief that we’re not worthy of time, attention, or love – especially from ourselves.

So we work ourselves to the bone, ignoring our needs, and dismissing our feelings. We tell ourselves that we’re just being “dedicated” or “hardworking.”

But in reality?

We’re just reinforcing the belief that we don’t deserve better.

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And it’s time we start treating it as such.

5) Shying away from compliments

Did you know that how you respond to compliments can say a lot about your self-perception?

Imagine this.

Someone praises your work, and instead of saying “thank you,” you respond with “oh, it’s nothing” or “I just got lucky.”

Sound familiar?

Shying away from compliments often indicates a lack of self-belief. It’s like you’re deflecting praise because deep down, you don’t believe you’re worthy of it.

Here’s the thing.

Accepting compliments graciously is not about being conceited. It’s about acknowledging your strengths, celebrating your achievements, and most importantly, affirming your worth.

6) Over-apologizing

Let’s talk about apologies.

Apologies are important. They mend fences, repair relationships, and help us take responsibility for our actions.

But have you ever found yourself saying sorry for things that aren’t your fault? Or for simply existing in a space?

I want you to know that you don’t have to apologize for being yourself, for having feelings, or for taking up space in this world.

Over-apologizing can often be a sign that you don’t believe you deserve to be here, as much as anyone else. But let me tell you this – you do. You absolutely do.

Remember, your presence is not a burden, and your voice is not an inconvenience. You matter, and you are deserving of space and respect.

7) Avoiding risks and new opportunities

Life is full of opportunities.

But sometimes, we avoid taking risks or embracing new chances. We stick to what’s safe, familiar, and comfortable. We convince ourselves that we’re just being “practical” or “realistic.”

But deep down, it could be because we don’t believe we deserve success, happiness, or better things in life.

Here’s the most crucial thing you should know – you are deserving of every opportunity that comes your way. You are deserving of growth, success, and all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Embrace the unknown and take that leap. The world is yours to explore.

Wrapping up

If any of these points struck a chord, know that you’re not alone. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step towards change. It’s a sign that you’re ready to start believing you deserve better.

Remember, it’s not an overnight journey.

Start by acknowledging these patterns in your life. With awareness, you can begin to question these behaviors and slowly shift your mindset.

Yes, change is scary. But so is staying stuck in a belief system that holds you back from your potential.

Ask yourself – What if I do deserve better? What does “better” look like for me? How can I start moving towards it?

And remember, progress is not linear. It’s okay to have setbacks and make mistakes along the way. They’re part of the journey.

You deserve all the good things life has to offer. Believe it. Own it.

So here’s to believing in your worth and embracing a better life – because you absolutely deserve it.