8 phrases people with low self-belief often use, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

It’s easy to overlook how much our words reveal about our self-belief. You may not realize it, but the things people say—sometimes without thinking—can offer a clear glimpse into their inner struggles with self-worth.

If you’ve noticed someone around you expressing doubt, hesitation, or negativity, these subtle phrases could be signs of low self-belief.

While they might not even be aware of it, these words are holding them back—leading to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and a sense of being stuck.

In this article, we’ll dive into 8 phrases people with low self-belief often use, according to psychology, and explore how you can spot these signs in others.

1) “I can’t do it”

This phrase is commonly used by people with low self-belief. It’s a clear sign that they lack confidence in their abilities.

For example, if you ask someone to try something new or step outside of their comfort zone, their immediate response might be, “I can’t do it.”

This isn’t just about reluctance or fear of the unknown. It’s a reflection of their deep-seated belief that they don’t have the skills or capacity to accomplish the task at hand.

They’ve already decided on their failure before even making an attempt.

Hearing this phrase is a crucial opportunity for understanding and support.

It’s essential not to dismiss or downplay their fears, but rather reassure them of their worth and potential.

Encourage them to try, regardless of the outcome, because every attempt is a step towards growth and self-belief.

2) “It’s just luck”

When people with low self-belief achieve something, they often attribute it to luck rather than their own efforts or skills.

They might say, “I just got lucky,” when praised for a job well done or when they accomplish a significant task.

This phrase is more than just modesty. It reveals a struggle to acknowledge their own worth and contributions.

They may genuinely believe that their success is a result of chance rather than their hard work, diligence or talent.

Such mindset can prevent them from fully embracing their achievements and growing their self-confidence. It’s important to help them recognize and appreciate their own role in their successes.

Reinforcing the value of their efforts and skills can gradually help shift their perspective from luck to self-efficacy.

3) “I’m sorry”

People with low self-belief often overuse the phrase “I’m sorry.”

They may apologize for things that aren’t their fault, or for simply expressing their thoughts and feelings. This constant apologizing is a way for them to avoid conflict and to appease others.

Interestingly, this behavior is linked to a deep-rooted fear of rejection or criticism. They might feel that by apologizing, they can prevent others from getting upset with them or seeing them in a negative light.

Responding to this behavior requires a careful and empathetic approach. It’s essential to reassure them that they don’t need to apologize for existing or having needs and feelings.

Over time, this can help them realize their worth and build healthier communication habits.

4) “I’m just being realistic”

People with low self-belief often use the phrase, “I’m just being realistic” as a shield for their pessimistic outlook. They may use it to justify their negative expectations or to downplay their hopes and dreams.

What they’re really saying is they’re afraid to hope for more because they fear disappointment. It’s a protective mechanism, a way to save themselves from potential heartbreak or failure.

Understanding this can be heartbreaking, but it’s also a chance to offer gentle encouragement.

It’s about showing them that it’s okay to dream big and that setbacks are part of life, not the end of it. It’s about nurturing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

5) “I should have done better”

This phrase is a common refrain for those with low self-belief.

Whether it’s a small mistake at work or a minor oversight in personal life, they may often feel they’ve fallen short. They might hold themselves to an extremely high standard, always believing they “should have done better.”

We’ve all felt this way at times, but for people with low self-belief, it’s a recurring theme. This constant self-criticism can be exhausting and damaging to their self-esteem.

It’s crucial to remind them that everyone makes mistakes and it’s part of being human. Celebrate their efforts and progress, no matter how small they might seem, to help them cultivate self-compassion and acceptance.

6) “I’m not as good as you think”

You might hear someone with low self-belief say, “I’m not as good as you think”, especially when they receive compliments or praise. This phrase often comes from a place of feeling unworthy or incapable.

I remember a friend who excelled in her work and was admired by many for her skills and dedication.

However, every time she received praise or recognition, she would respond with this phrase. It was as if she couldn’t accept that she was genuinely talented and deserving of the accolades.

In such cases, it’s important to consistently affirm their worth and the value they bring. Over time, this can help them internalize positive feedback and start to believe in themselves more.

7) “It’s all my fault”

When things go wrong, people with low self-belief often take all the blame. They might say, “It’s all my fault,” even when there are clear external factors at play.

While it’s admirable to take responsibility for one’s actions, it’s equally important not to shoulder unnecessary blame. Life is complex and often, there are multiple factors contributing to a situation.

If you hear someone consistently using this phrase, it may be time for a reality check.

Help them understand that they’re not solely responsible for every misfortune or mishap. They need to learn to share the burden and understand that it’s okay not to have control over everything.

8) “I don’t deserve it”

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking phrases you’ll hear from someone with low self-belief is “I don’t deserve it”. This phrase echoes a profound sense of unworthiness, whether it’s in relation to love, success, happiness, or even basic needs.

The truth is, everyone deserves these things. Everyone deserves to be loved, to be happy, to succeed and to have their needs met.

If you hear this phrase from someone, it’s important to remind them of this basic truth.

Remember, changing deeply ingrained beliefs takes time and patience. Encourage them gently, without pushing too hard.

And most importantly, remind them that they are enough just as they are. Everyone has unique value and worth – and that includes them too.

Conclusion

Recognizing the phrases that reflect low self-belief is the first step in offering meaningful support to those who may be struggling with their self-worth.

While these words may seem harmless on the surface, they often reveal deeper feelings of doubt and insecurity that can hold someone back.

By spotting these signs, you can encourage a shift in mindset, helping them build confidence and break free from the limitations they may have unknowingly placed on themselves.

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