Pride can be a tricky thing to manage — lacking it is detrimental, but having it in excess can be just as harmful.
While it’s natural and healthy to feel proud of your accomplishments and identity, too much pride can create obstacles that stop you from growing, learning, or having any meaningful relationships. If you’ve ever felt stuck or distant in life, pride might be playing a bigger role than you realise. Here’s how you know that your pride might be holding you back — and how to change things for the better. After all, we’re all imperfect humans just doing our best. The sooner you accept and embrace that, the easier it’ll become to overcome the hurdles your pride is putting in your way.
1. You refuse to ask for help, even when it’s clear you desperately need it.
One of the biggest signs of pride getting in the way is an inability to ask for help, even when you’re overwhelmed. You might convince yourself that you’re fine or worry that asking for support will make you seem weak. Sadly, that can push you to take on more than you can handle, leading to stress and burnout. Refusing to ask for help isolates you and denies other people who care about you the chance to support you, which can deepen relationships. Recognising that no one succeeds alone can help you take the first step toward reaching out, even in small ways.
2. You find it hard to apologise when you mess up.
Apologising can feel like admitting defeat when pride is involved. You might avoid saying sorry because you think it makes you look small, or you’re scared it will diminish your authority. Instead, you may rationalise your actions or avoid addressing the issue altogether. However, apologies build bridges in relationships and show maturity. A heartfelt “I’m sorry” can completely break down tension and bring people closer, showing that you value the connection over your ego.
3. You avoid situations where you might fail.
Pride often creates a fear of failure so intense that you avoid trying new things altogether. Whether it’s pursuing a career opportunity, starting a hobby, or sharing your ideas, the thought of failing in front of other people can feel unbearable. As a result, you stay in your comfort zone, where everything feels safe and predictable. That fear limits your growth and keeps you from discovering what you’re truly capable of. Accepting that failure is a natural and valuable part of life can help you take risks and embrace new challenges more confidently.
4. You’re quick to dismiss valid feedback.
If you find yourself brushing off criticism, even when it’s constructive, your pride might be taking over. It’s easy to feel defensive when someone points out areas for improvement, as if admitting flaws threatens your self-worth. Instead of seeing feedback as a gift, you may see it as an attack. Taking a step back and considering the intent behind the feedback can shift your perspective. Not all criticism is meant to tear you down; often, it’s there to help you grow. Learning to listen without defensiveness can lead to incredible self-improvement.
5. You always feel the need to be right.
Pride can make it hard to let go of an argument, even when it’s not worth it. You might find yourself doubling down on your perspective, determined to prove you’re right at all costs. This behaviour can create tension in relationships and make conversations feel more like debates. Letting go of the need to “win” can open the door to healthier, more meaningful interactions. Being open to hearing someone else’s point of view doesn’t mean you’re wrong; it shows that you value understanding and connection over ego.
6. You struggle to accept compliments.
Ironically, pride can make it difficult to accept praise. You might feel awkward or undeserving when someone compliments you, brushing it off with comments like, “It’s nothing,” or, “Anyone could’ve done it.” While this may seem like humility, it often comes from an unwillingness to let people acknowledge your value. Learning to accept compliments graciously can boost your confidence and strengthen relationships. A simple “Thank you” validates the compliment and shows that you appreciate the recognition.
7. You can never admit when you’re struggling.
Pride can make vulnerability feel like a risk you’re unwilling to take. Instead of acknowledging that you’re overwhelmed, you might choose to push through in silence, hoping no one notices. This often leads to emotional exhaustion and isolation, as you shoulder burdens you don’t need to carry alone. Admitting when you’re not quite managing is a powerful step toward connection and healing. Letting people in doesn’t make you weak; it shows strength and trust, allowing those who care about you to offer support.
8. You hold grudges for too long.
When pride is in control, letting go of past hurts can feel impossible. You might cling to resentment, believing that forgiving someone means admitting they “won.” It’s a petty mindset that can keep you stuck in bitterness, even when it would feel better to let go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing bad behaviour — it means freeing yourself from the emotional weight of the situation. Letting go of grudges creates space for peace and allows you to move forward without resentment clouding your life.
9. You can’t delegate or share responsibilities.
Thinking, “No one else can do it as well as I can,” is a hallmark of pride. You might find it hard to trust people with important tasks because you worry that they’ll make mistakes or that delegating will make you seem less capable. That inevitably leads to overworking yourself and missing out on the benefits of teamwork. Delegating shows confidence in both yourself and other people. Trusting people to contribute not only reduces your stress but also creates opportunities for collaboration and growth, which benefits everyone involved.
10. You downplay other people’s success, seeing it as a threat to your own.
When pride takes over, celebrating someone else’s achievements can feel like acknowledging your own shortcomings. You might find yourself minimising their success, focusing on their flaws, or feeling a twinge of jealousy when they succeed. Flipping your mindset to genuinely celebrating other people’s wins helps build stronger relationships and fosters positivity. Recognising that their success doesn’t diminish your own makes room for shared happiness and mutual encouragement.
11. You avoid being vulnerable.
Opening up about your feelings or fears can feel risky when pride is at play. You might worry that sharing too much will make you look weak or expose you to judgement, so you keep your emotions guarded and your walls high. Vulnerability, however, is a cornerstone of meaningful relationships. Allowing yourself to be open creates deeper trust and connection with other people, showing that strength comes from authenticity, not from hiding your true self.
12. You have to be in control of every single thing in life, even when that’s impossible.
When pride is in the driver’s seat, letting go of control can feel like surrendering your power. You might insist on doing things your way, micromanaging situations, or avoiding delegation to maintain a sense of authority. That kind of behaviour can lead to stress and strain relationships. Recognising that letting go of control doesn’t mean losing it can help you find balance. Trusting people and allowing flexibility often leads to better results and stronger partnerships in both work and life.
13. You’re terrified of being seen as “less than.”
At its core, pride often stems from a fear of being judged or seen as inadequate. You might work extra hard to maintain an image of perfection, avoiding situations where your flaws or insecurities could be exposed. That pressure can be exhausting and isolating. Accepting that no one is perfect — yes, including you — can be incredibly liberating. Embracing your imperfections allows you to focus on growth and connection, rather than worrying about how other people see you.
