The Painful Truth of Low Self-Confidence

Everyone Struggles with a Lack of Confidence at Times 

It is estimated that 85% of the world’s population experiences low self-esteem and consequently, low self-confidence at some point in their life.   

We all know the feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, or incompetence that accompany low self-confidence – and they are very painful. We can experience them at work, school, in our personal relationships, or in any unfamiliar situation. 

Low self-confidence is often at the root of disappointing friendships and love relationships. It can result in lower long-term income potential and missed opportunities for promotions. 

Low self-confidence is also correlated with substance abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other destructive conditions and behaviors. 

How Low Self-Confidence Affects Relationships 

Due to irrational fears and doubt, people with low self-confidence are more likely to have trouble starting and maintaining quality love relationships. 

Low self-confidence often results in less relationship satisfaction, lower levels of trust, and more conflict.  It’s also responsible for greater relationship instability and break-ups. 

Low self-confidence can stop a relationship before it starts. 

The fear of rejection and negative judgment prevents people from taking relationship risks and leaves them feeling lonely and isolated. They simply cannot believe that someone will genuinely like them. 

People with low relationship self-confidence doubt they will be unconditionally loved and accepted by their partner. This doubt fuels the need for constant proof and reassurance of their partner’s devotion.  

How Low Self-Confidence Affects Income Potential 

Research published in the Journal of Economic Psychology (2008) has shown that higher self-esteem often results in higher salary. 

The less confident a person is, the less likely it is that they will assert themselves by learning new skills, taking on challenging tasks, asking for raises, and even applying for jobs that pay more.  

Someone with low self-confidence often questions or doubts their abilities and are therefore likely to put forth less effort on the job. Of course, less effort at work usually results in less job security, fewer opportunities for advancement, and less likelihood of receiving special bonuses and raises. 

What Should You Do About Low Self-Confidence? 

Talk with a friend or family member about the insecurity you feel, and you will likely find that they have also experienced a lack of confidence in some area of their life. It will help to know you are not alone. 

Write down two to three negative beliefs you have about yourself or reasons you believe you struggle with feeling good enough. This will help you see, in writing, some of the thoughts that trigger your lack of confidence so you can begin identifying the evidence that proves them wrong! 

You can also click here to get a copy your free resource, 30 Days to a More Confident You! 

The process of breaking free from false negative beliefs is one of the first steps to building the confidence you desire and deserve. 

As you can see, low self-confidence is costly! 

If you have been struggling with the pain of low self-confidence, you owe it to yourself to invest in learning and implementing the keys to building unshakable self-confidence, and the great news is you don’t have to go it alone. 

In just a few short weeks, we will be launching our Confidence in Mind course and opening up enrollment for a limited time. This will be your opportunity to begin your journey towards building and maintaining unshakable self-confidence! 

With Your Confidence in Mind, 

Dr. Todd and Kristen