If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself, you know it’s an uneasy feeling. If you’ve ever downplayed your achievements, you know the sting of self-doubt.

Welcome to the human condition.

However, it’s not quite as simple as that. You see, self-doubt can be far more insidious, often leading us into self-sabotaging behaviors without us even realizing it.

Some folks fall into this trap more than others. And that’s because they typically exhibit these specific behaviors.

Below is a closer look at how those wrestling with self-doubt often unwittingly sabotage themselves.

1) Overthinking is a common companion

The mind can be a tricky place.

It spins webs of thoughts that can either push you forward or pull you back, and when you’re wrestling with self-doubt, it’s usually the latter.

Overthinking becomes your constant companion, a relentless critic that questions every decision you make, every word you say, and every action you take. 

It magnifies your flaws, minimizes your achievements, and paints a picture of failure that’s far from reality.

But here’s the kicker – you might not even realize it’s happening. 

You might just think you’re being careful or meticulous, not understanding that this incessant over-analysis is actually a self-sabotaging behavior rooted in self-doubt.

It’s an insidious cycle, but recognizing it is the first step towards breaking free.

2) Procrastination becomes your middle name

Let me tell you a little story about myself.

A few years back, I had this novel idea that I was incredibly excited about. I could picture the characters, visualize the plot twists, and almost hear the dialogue in my head. 

But when it came to actually sitting down and writing it, well… that’s where things fell apart.

I’d find any excuse to delay working on it – cleaning my desk, organizing my bookshelf, even sorting out my sock drawer! I told myself I was just waiting for the right time or the perfect inspiration. 

But deep down, I knew the truth. I was scared. Scared of failing, scared of not being good enough.

Procrastination was my safety net, protecting me from the potential disappointment. But all it really did was hold me back from pursuing something I loved.

That’s how self-doubt works. It makes you stall and delay – not because you’re lazy or disinterested, but because you’re afraid you won’t measure up. 

3) Constantly seeking validation becomes the norm

Did you know that an estimated 85% of the world’s population is affected by low self-esteem? This lack of confidence often leads to a desperate need for validation.

When you’re riddled with self-doubt, you start relying on external sources to measure your worth.

You constantly seek approval and affirmation from others. It’s like you’re on a never-ending quest for a thumbs-up.

Every decision needs a second opinion, every success needs recognition, and every failure becomes an obsession. 

It’s as if your own judgment is no longer good enough, and you need others to validate your thoughts, feelings and actions.

This constant need for approval is a subtle yet potent form of self-sabotage. It takes away your power and puts it in the hands of others. And often, you might not even realize it’s happening.

4) Avoiding risks becomes a default setting

Life is all about taking risks, big or small. But when self-doubt creeps in, our willingness to take these leaps diminishes.

Suddenly, you find yourself always playing it safe. You stick to what’s comfortable, familiar and guaranteed. You avoid any situation that could potentially lead to failure or rejection.

It’s like you’re walking on a tightrope, constantly fearing a misstep. You shy away from challenges and opportunities because the fear of not succeeding is too overwhelming.

This avoidance is a self-sabotage behavior that can keep you stuck in a comfort zone, hindering growth and progress.

5) Underestimating your abilities becomes second nature

I’ve noticed this in myself and countless others. When self-doubt takes over, you start underestimating your abilities.

I remember when I was offered a promotion at my job. My immediate response wasn’t joy or excitement – it was pure, unadulterated fear.

I started doubting if I was capable enough, skilled enough, or even deserving enough.

I was underestimating my own abilities, undermining my own success.

This is a common self-sabotaging behavior. You downplay your skills, dismiss your accomplishments, and undervalue your worth.

And you do this so often that it becomes second nature, a default setting.

6) Being overly critical becomes a reflex

Here’s a twist. Self-doubt can make you a perfectionist. Now, perfectionism may sound like a positive trait, but it’s really a double-edged sword.

When you’re filled with self-doubt, you start setting impossibly high standards for yourself.

You become overly critical of your own work, constantly nitpicking and finding faults where there are none.

You’re always striving for perfection, and anything less feels like a failure. This constant self-criticism can be paralyzing, preventing you from completing tasks or taking on new ones.

7) Comparing yourself to others becomes habitual

In a world connected by social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. When you’re battling self-doubt, this habit can amplify tenfold.

You find yourself constantly comparing your life, achievements, and abilities to those of others. You look at their highlight reels and compare them to your behind-the-scenes, amplifying your insecurities and feeding your self-doubt.

This constant comparison is a form of self-sabotage. It breeds dissatisfaction and hinders self-acceptance. And guess what? You might not even realize you’re doing it.

8) Ignoring self-care becomes an oversight

Arguably the most important point, yet often the most overlooked, is self-care.

When you’re submerged in self-doubt, taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being often takes a backseat.

You might neglect your health, ignore your emotions, or even dismiss your needs.

This is a form of self-sabotage that not only affects your self-esteem but can also have serious implications on your overall health.

The irony? You might not even realize you’re doing it.

In conclusion

If you’ve reached this point, I hope you’re realizing that self-doubt is not just about feeling insecure. 

It’s a complex web of behaviors that can subtly and unknowingly sabotage your progress and potential.

Self-doubt is not a sign of weakness, but rather a common human experience. Even the most successful people have had their moments of self-doubt. 

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, once said, “I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.”

So, if you recognize some of these behaviors within yourself, don’t despair. Awareness is the first step towards change. 

Reflect on these points, acknowledge where you stand, and remember – you have the power to challenge and change these patterns.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not just battling self-doubt. You’re learning to believe in yourself.