It’s surprising how often truly incredible people doubt their own worth.
Whether it’s because they don’t measure up to what they’re seeing on social media, unresolved trauma, or internalised beliefs, feeling like you’re just not good enough can happen even to the most capable and compassionate people, which is a real shame. If you’re in this boat and have no idea why you feel the way you do, here are just some of the reasons this happens — and some practical ways to start feeling better about yourself. You deserve to feel good in your own skin and proud of who you are, after all.
1. They compare themselves to other people constantly.
Social media and modern life make it easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Seeing carefully curated snapshots of other people’s lives can make you feel like you’re falling short, even when you’re achieving so much. Comparing yourself to other people inevitably leads to focusing on what you lack rather than celebrating what you have. To break the cycle, start to flip your focus inward. Reflect on your own progress and accomplishments instead of looking outward for validation. Developing an appreciation for your unique journey can help you love yourself for who you are, not how you measure up to anyone else.
2. They set impossibly high standards for themselves.
Perfectionism is a really heavy burden to bear. Amazing people often push themselves to meet unrealistic goals, believing that anything less than perfect isn’t good enough. Unsurprisingly, having that mindset can lead to feelings of failure, even when they’ve accomplished incredible things. Learning to embrace imperfection can be transformative. Remind yourself that progress matters more than perfection, and celebrate small wins along the way. Accepting that mistakes are part of growth helps you focus on what you’ve achieved rather than what you haven’t.
3. They overthink compliments and focus on criticism.
Many people struggle to accept praise, brushing off compliments as insincere or undeserved. At the same time, they dwell on criticism, replaying it in their minds long after the moment has passed. Such an intense imbalance can make it hard to recognise their own strengths. Try to consciously embrace compliments by saying “thank you” without deflecting — the more you do this, the easier it becomes. Remind yourself that kind words are reflections of how other people see you. Balancing this with constructive feedback creates a healthier sense of self-esteem and reinforces your self-worth.
4. They downplay their achievements.
Even when they accomplish something incredible, amazing people often minimise their success. They might say, “It wasn’t a big deal,” or, “Anyone could have done it” rather than patting themselves on the back for a job well done. That habit can stem from a fear of coming off as braggy or an inability to see their own value, but either way, it’s not good. Start acknowledging your achievements, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Keep a journal where you record milestones, big or small. Revisiting these moments can remind you of your worth and encourage you to own your success without hesitation.
5. They focus on what they haven’t done yet.
Ambitious people often have long to-do lists and big goals, but this can make them fixate on what’s still unfinished. Instead of recognising their hard work, they’re already thinking about the next challenge, which leaves very little room to celebrate progress. Incorporating a bit of mindfulness into your daily life can help you stay present and appreciate how far you’ve come. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished rather than rushing to the next thing. Celebrating progress, even if it’s incomplete, reinforces your sense of achievement.
6. They internalise negative feedback too easily.
Receiving criticism can feel personal, especially for those who care deeply about what they do. Amazing people often internalise negative feedback as a reflection of their worth, even when it’s just about improving a specific skill or task. The thing is, we all have room for improvement, and striving to constantly be the best version of ourselves is one of the most rewarding things in life. Reframing criticism as an opportunity to grow can help you separate your self-esteem from others’ opinions. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” rather than, “What’s wrong with me?” Developing this perspective keeps you grounded and focused on improvement rather than self-doubt.
7. They put everyone else before themselves.
Caring, empathetic people often put other people first, sometimes at the expense of their own needs. While helping people is nice, neglecting yourself can lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy when your energy runs low. Practising self-care isn’t selfish, nor is it just some new age-y buzzword that lacks practical real-world application — it’s truly necessary for long-term wellness. Set aside time to recharge and focus on what makes you happy. When you take care of yourself, you’ll have more to give without sacrificing your own well-being.
8. They struggle with impostor syndrome.
Even the most accomplished people can feel like frauds, doubting whether they truly deserve their success. They worry that everything they’ve achieved has been a fluke and that any second now, they’ll be found out, and it’ll all be ripped away from them. That’s no way to live, and thinking like that can make them constantly question their abilities, even when they’ve clearly earned their place. Remind yourself that everyone has moments of uncertainty, and success isn’t about being perfect. Recognising your hard work and the steps you’ve taken to achieve your goals can help combat impostor syndrome and build confidence in your abilities.
9. They underestimate the impact they have on other people.
Amazing people often fail to see how much their actions mean to those around them. They might not realise how their kindness, advice, or hard work positively influences other people’s lives, largely because they don’t think they’re adding anything particularly special to their conversations or relationships. That, of course, is completely untrue, and their lack of awareness can lead to feelings of inadequacy. If you feel this way, ask friends that you trust or colleagues for feedback on how you’ve supported them. Hearing their honest thoughts can help you recognise your value and understand the difference you make, even in ways you might not have noticed.
10. They equate worth with productivity.
Thanks to hustle culture, it’s easy to believe that your value comes from how much you achieve and how productive you are on a daily basis. Because of this, amazing people sometimes push themselves to the brink, feeling like they’re only as good as their latest accomplishment. Of course, that’s unsustainable in the long term, and also incredibly unhealthy. Remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity. Take breaks, enjoy downtime, and remember that who you are matters more than what you do. Slowing down can help you reconnect with your intrinsic value beyond your achievements.
11. They hold on to past failures.
Dwelling on mistakes from the past can make amazing people feel stuck, as though those moments define them. While reflection can be helpful, obsessing over what went wrong often clouds their view of all the things they’ve done right. Practise self-forgiveness by reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Treating your past as a learning experience rather than a list of failures helps you focus on growth instead of self-blame. Letting go allows you to move forward with confidence.
12. They feel like they’re never “enough.”
Amazing people often have a nagging sense that no matter what they do, it’s not enough. It might come from high expectations, societal pressures, or old insecurities that are hard to shake, but whatever the origin, it leaves them chasing an unattainable standard of perfection. To counter this, learn to be a bit nicer to yourself and offer yourself a bit of grace. Remind yourself that you’re doing your best and that your efforts are valuable. Being “enough” isn’t about perfection — it’s about recognising the unique qualities that make you who you are.
13. They forget to celebrate who they are.
When amazing people are so focused on doing, achieving, or helping others, they often forget to take a moment to appreciate themselves. That constant forward momentum can leave them feeling unfulfilled, even when they’ve accomplished a lot. Make time to celebrate yourself, not just for what you’ve done, but for who you are. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special or simply reflecting on your strengths, these moments of recognition can remind you that you’re amazing just as you are.
