Ever found yourself questioning why people don’t take you seriously? Ever wondered if your behaviors might be putting your credibility at stake?

As it turns out, psychology might have some answers. Certain behaviors, it seems, could damage your credibility as a person.

Credibility isn’t just about being honest or reliable. It’s also about being consistent and showing respect. It’s not something you’re born with, but rather something you build over time through your actions.

But hey, we’re all human. We all make mistakes and sometimes those mistakes can affect how others perceive us.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 behaviors that will make you lose credibility as a person, according to psychology.

Get ready to delve into some common pitfalls and learn how to avoid them. After all, understanding these behaviors is the first step toward changing them.

1) Making promises you can’t keep

We’ve all been there. We promise things in the heat of the moment, often to please others or to avoid an uncomfortable situation. But when we fail to deliver, our credibility takes a hit.

According to psychology, this is a common behavior that can significantly undermine our credibility. It sends a message that we’re unreliable or untrustworthy. People might start doubting our words and even our intentions.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the big promises. Even small ones count.

For instance, if you say you’ll call someone back in an hour and don’t, it might seem insignificant to you. But for the other person, it might raise questions about your credibility.

So, before making a promise, think: Can I really do it? Am I sure? If not, it’s better to be honest upfront. It might be uncomfortable in the short term, but in the long run, it’ll help maintain your credibility.

Remember, credibility is like a currency – once lost, it’s hard to regain. So, let’s be mindful of the promises we make.

2) Avoiding eye contact

Eye contact can be a tricky thing, right? It’s often seen as a sign of confidence and honesty.

However, when it comes to credibility, avoiding eye contact can actually work against you.

Think about it this way: When you’re talking to someone and they constantly shift their gaze or look elsewhere, how does it make you feel? Most likely, you’d feel that they’re disinterested or hiding something.

According to psychology, avoiding eye contact is often perceived as a sign of unpreparedness or discomfort, which can lead others to question your credibility. It’s a non-verbal cue that people pick up on quickly and subconsciously.

Interestingly, this applies even in digital communication. When you’re on a video call, for instance, looking directly at the camera (which mimics eye contact) can make you appear more credible and engaged.

So, the next time you find yourself glancing away during a conversation or a video call, remember to redirect your gaze. This small change can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul – and to your credibility.

3) Being overly defensive

We’ve all been in situations where our actions or decisions are questioned. It’s natural to want to defend ourselves. But going overboard with defensiveness can actually damage our credibility.

When someone challenges your viewpoint or criticizes you, your immediate reaction might be to get defensive and argue back.

This behavior, however, can be perceived as an inability to accept feedback or an unwillingness to consider other perspectives.

The next time you feel your defenses rising, take a deep breath and try to listen objectively.

The ability to calmly handle criticism and feedback not only boosts your credibility, it also helps you grow as a person.

4) Not acknowledging others

It’s a beautiful day. You walk into your office, passing by a colleague, but you’re so lost in your thoughts that you don’t acknowledge their greeting.

It might seem like a small thing, but these small moments matter.

When we fail to acknowledge others – be it their greetings, efforts, or feelings – it can make them feel unimportant or invisible.

This could inadvertently lead to a loss in credibility. After all, credibility isn’t just about being trustworthy, it’s also about showing respect for others.

We all have our off days. Sometimes, we might be so wrapped up in our own world that we forget to notice those around us.

But imagine the difference it can make if we take a moment to look up from our screens, respond to that greeting, appreciate the effort someone put into a task, or simply recognize someone’s presence with a smile.

Let’s try and make an effort to notice and acknowledge those around us more often. Because in doing so, we’re not just building our credibility, we’re also making someone’s day a little brighter.

5) Overusing jargon

You’ve probably been in a conversation where someone throws around big, fancy words and industry-specific jargon. At first, it might seem impressive, but after a while, it just gets confusing, right?

Overusing jargon can make a conversation feel like you’re trying too hard to sound smart or important. It can create a barrier between you and the person you’re talking to, making them feel alienated or unengaged.

In fact, research shows that far from conveying intelligence or competence,  excessive use of jargon actually signals insecurity. 

The truth is, effective communication is about clarity, not complexity. It’s about making sure the other person understands you, not showcasing your vocabulary.

So next time you’re tempted to use jargon or complex language, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: “Can I say this in a simpler way?”

You’ll be surprised how this little change can boost your credibility and make your conversations more engaging and meaningful.

6) Not admitting when you’re wrong

Apologizing and admitting we’re wrong can be the hardest things to do in life, can’t they?

We’ve all been there. I remember once working on a project where I was certain my approach was the best. However, as time went on, it became clear that I was mistaken. But instead of admitting it, I dug my heels in, which only led to more problems and frustration for everyone involved.

We might think admitting when we’re wrong can severely dent our credibility, but the opposite is actually true.

It can make us appear stubborn, unapproachable, and unwilling to learn. Plus, it can cause unnecessary conflicts and hinder progress.

Admitting you’re wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a testament to your honesty and your willingness to learn and grow. It shows that you value progress over your ego, which can significantly boost your credibility.

7) Always playing it safe

In life, playing it safe might seem like the comfortable choice. After all, who likes stepping out of their comfort zone?

But when it comes to your credibility, always playing it safe can send out the wrong message.

People who never take risks or challenge the status quo can be perceived as lacking in courage or initiative. It can make you appear complacent or unambitious. And let’s face it, nobody respects a fence-sitter.

Taking risks, on the other hand, shows that you’re willing to push boundaries, take on challenges, and grow. It shows that you value progress and innovation over comfort and routine.

So, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Don’t shy away from voicing a dissenting opinion if you truly believe in it.

Yes, it might be uncomfortable. Yes, it might not always work out. But in the end, your willingness to take risks and stand up for what you believe in will earn you respect and credibility.

Conclusion

Credibility isn’t something you can claim for yourself — it’s something other people give you based on your behavior.

It’s built slowly, through consistency, honesty, and respect, but it can be lost in an instant.

The seven behaviors we’ve explored aren’t just bad habits — they’re silent credibility killers that people notice, even if you think they don’t.

The truth is, people may forgive mistakes, but they rarely forget patterns. If you’re constantly unreliable, dishonest, or self-serving, it’s only a matter of time before your credibility takes a hit.

And once it’s gone, it’s hard to get back.

Ultimately, your credibility is in your hands. It’s your actions, your words, your sincerity that will define it.

So, here’s to being conscious of our actions, to learning from our mistakes, and to building a credible life that inspires respect and trust.