A lack of confidence is when someone lacks trust or faith in themselves and their abilities. It is often associated with low self-esteem, which is when someone lacks confidence about who they are and what they can do. People with low self-esteem often feel incompetent, unloved, or inadequate. Signs of low confidence and self-esteem may include:
- Feelings of self-doubt
- Passive or submissive behavior
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling inferior to others
- Overly sensitive to criticism
- Feeling unloved
- Social withdrawal
- Hostility
- Fear of judgement
- Negative feelings such as sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, shame, or guilt
A lack of confidence can negatively affect peoples relationships, work, or studies, and may have a negative impact on their mental and physical health. It can hold people back from speaking up in meetings and voicing their opinions, and can cause them to avoid activities that involve other people, like sports or social events. Boosting self-esteem takes attention and daily practice.
