Recognizing your worth in life is crucial, but surprisingly, not everyone does.

When you’re unaware of your true value, you often exhibit certain behaviors without even realizing it.

These behaviors might seem trivial to you, but they actually reveal a lot about how you perceive your worth in the world.

In this article, we’re going to discuss the 7 common behaviors typically displayed by individuals who haven’t yet grasped their real value in life.

The goal is to help you understand and hopefully, start to appreciate your true worth. Let’s delve into it.

1) They constantly compare themselves

Living in a society that’s addicted to comparison, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our self-worth against the accomplishments of others.

This, however, is a damaging habit that leads to undervaluing our own worth.

Let me illustrate.

Think about your personal achievements.

They’re unique to your journey. Your educational background, your career progression, your personal growth – these are all distinct facets of your life that make you who you are.

But when we start comparing our journey with others, it’s like comparing apples and oranges.

Everyone has their own pace, their own challenges, their own victories.

Just because someone achieved something sooner or in a different way doesn’t diminish the value of your own achievements.

To break free from the comparison trap, recognize that your value isn’t defined by others.

In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Focus on your unique journey and appreciate your own growth, honoring your true worth.

2) They apologize for their existence

Do you often find yourself saying “sorry” when there’s nothing to apologize for?

This habit subtly implies that you feel like you don’t deserve the space you’re taking up. Or you’re intruding where you shouldn’t be, which is far from the truth. 

Think about how often you say “sorry” throughout the day—when you ask a question, express an opinion, or need a moment longer to understand something.

None of these actions should require an apology.

By constantly apologizing without cause, you’re unwittingly signaling that your presence needs justification. It doesn’t.

Try to reduce these unnecessary apologies. When you feel the urge to say sorry or feel out of place, keep in mind that these feelings don’t define your worth.

3) They struggle to accept compliments

This surprising behavior is quite common among those who undervalue themselves.

Brushing off praise or downplaying your achievements often happens even when the compliment is genuine and well-deserved.

It can be uncomfortable to accept recognition, and you might even question the sincerity of the person giving it.

According to therapist Robin E. Brickel, this struggle is due to the way it conflicts with the part of you that sees yourself as immaterial and worthless. 

The part of you that’s filled with self-doubt.  

Self-doubt can infiltrate every aspect of life, and when you belittle your accomplishments or deny your worth, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

It’s crucial to examine the role self-doubt plays in your life.

If you struggle with accepting compliments, it might be a sign that you don’t fully believe in your value.

Instead of scolding yourself for this skepticism, consider it an opportunity to confront these feelings.

They may indicate a need to work on acknowledging and embracing your true worth.

4) They often put others first to their own detriment

Those who undervalue themselves also tend to put others’ needs before their own.

They get caught up in the cycle of pleasing others, sometimes forgetting their own needs and desires.

In this situation, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s self-worth. You might become absorbed in the needs of others, at the expense of your own well-being.

Your intentions are noble. Helping others can indeed be a source of joy and fulfillment.

But when you constantly neglect your own needs, you might end up feeling depleted and unappreciated.

You can lose touch with your own wants and needs. You might find yourself feeling resentful or taken for granted.

Look, how you love yourself is how you teach others to love you. So practice some self-love first — acknowledge your own needs and set boundaries. 

Balancing self-care with helping others is essential for maintaining your own health and happiness.

5) They shy away from opportunities

I’ve seen this behavior in my own life.

There was a time when I would hesitate to take on new opportunities, fearing that I wasn’t good enough or prepared enough.

Whether it was a new job offer, a leadership role, or even a chance to showcase my talent, I would step back, letting others seize the opportunity that could have been mine.

I remember once being offered a promotion at work. It was a role I’d been eyeing for some time, but when it was finally within my grasp, I hesitated.

I started questioning whether I was truly cut out for it and whether I would be able to handle the pressure and responsibility that came with it.

Looking back, I can see how this behavior was rooted in not fully recognizing my value.

I was more focused on the potential for failure than on the possibility of growth and success.

Today, I make it a point to take on challenges and opportunities with open arms.

I still have moments of doubt, but now I see them as just that – moments.

They don’t define my worth or capability. It’s a process, but each step helps me better understand my true value in life.

6) They struggle with decision-making

Individuals with low self-worth tend to second-guess their choices or avoid making decisions altogether for fear of making the wrong one.

This behavior reflects a deep-seated fear of judgment and failure.

Those who don’t fully recognize their worth may fear that a wrong decision will confirm their self-doubts and validate their perceived inadequacy.

For those grappling with this, understanding that mistakes are part of the process can be liberating.

It’s a reminder that every decision, whether it leads to success or failure, contributes to growth and learning.

Embracing the process of decision-making encourages us to see our choices as opportunities for growth rather than sources of potential regret.

It can foster confidence and help us value our judgment.

7) They often excel in empathy

Being overly critical of oneself stems from a keen awareness of feelings and emotions, both in oneself and in others.

This heightened sensitivity can make such individuals exceptionally attuned to the needs and feelings of those around them.

Yet, while they can easily understand and empathize with others’ pain or joy, they struggle to extend the same compassion to themselves.

They may be quick to forgive others but harsh in judging their own actions and mistakes.

Buddha taught, “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Applying this wisdom to oneself can be transformative.

It involves recognizing and accepting one’s own feelings without judgment and extending to oneself the same understanding and compassion offered to others.

Practicing self-empathy fosters a more balanced view of one’s worth, helping us value ourselves not for our successes or failures, but for our intrinsic humanity.

Understanding your worth: A journey, not a destination

Recognizing your value in life is akin to embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

It’s about understanding that you are more than the sum of your accomplishments, your failures, or the opinions of others.

Every time you catch yourself displaying one of the behaviors listed above, take it as an opportunity to reflect and grow. Recognize these moments as signposts on your journey to understanding your worth.

At the end of the day, realizing your value isn’t about reaching a specific destination. It’s about embracing your unique journey and recognizing that you already hold immense value, just by being who you are.

So, take a moment to pause, reflect, and start acknowledging the incredible worth that resides within you. You are valuable; it’s time to start believing it.