Words. We all use them. But have you ever stopped to think about what your words say about you?

Sometimes, the things we say might sound humble, but they could actually be signs of low self-esteem.

1. “I’m sorry, but…”

We all know the importance of apologizing when we’ve done something wrong. However, if you find yourself constantly starting sentences with “I’m sorry, but…”, you might be undermining your self-esteem.This phrase can make it seem like your opinions or ideas are something to be sorry for. Even worse, it may suggest that you feel the need to apologize for simply existing or taking up space.

Remember, you don’t need to apologize for having an opinion or a point of view. Try to catch yourself when you’re about to use this phrase and replace it with a more assertive introduction. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make!

2. “It was nothing”

Ever downplayed your efforts or achievements by saying, “It was nothing” or “Anyone could have done it”? This might seem like you’re just being modest, but it can actually be a sign of low self-esteem.When you constantly belittle your own achievements, you’re basically telling yourself that your efforts aren’t worth much. Over time, this can erode your confidence and make you feel like you’re not capable of great things.

Next time you’re tempted to brush off a compliment or achievement, try saying “Thank you” instead. It’s a simple change, but it can do wonders for your self-esteem.

3. “I’m not good at this”

We all have areas where we could use a little improvement, but consistently telling yourself (and others) “I’m not good at this” won’t help you get any better. In fact, it might just hold you back.I remember a time when I was trying to learn how to play the guitar. Every time I fumbled a chord, I’d say, “I’m just not good at this”. It got to the point where I was saying it so often, I started to believe it. It took a friend pointing out what I was doing for me to realize that I was sabotaging my own progress.

Now, whenever I catch myself saying “I’m not good at this”, I try to add “…yet” at the end. It’s a small tweak, but it keeps me motivated and reminds me that skills take time to develop. Try it – it might just give your self-esteem a nice little boost.