Self-esteem shapes how we see ourselves, how we navigate relationships, and how we show up in the world. It influences everything—from the way we handle challenges to how we accept love and opportunities. But sometimes, low self-esteem can be so deeply ingrained that we don’t even recognize it.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt unworthy, or struggled with self-criticism, you’re not alone. These 100 questions are designed to help you reflect on your self-esteem, identify patterns, and become more self-aware. This is not about judgment, just a gentle way to check in with yourself and explore areas for growth.
Journal Prompts for Low Self Esteem.
Questions About Self-Perception
- Do I often feel like I’m not good enough?
- Do I compare myself to others and feel inferior?
- Do I struggle to accept compliments?
- Do I believe that other people are more capable or deserving than I am?
- Do I frequently doubt my abilities, even when I have proof of my success?
- Do I feel uncomfortable when I succeed or accomplish something?
- Do I dismiss my achievements as luck rather than my own effort?
- Do I feel like I don’t bring much value to the people around me?
- Do I criticize myself more than I praise myself?
- Do I struggle to identify things I genuinely like about myself?
Questions About Boundaries and People-Pleasing
- Do I struggle to say no, even when I really want to?
- Do I feel guilty when I set boundaries?
- Do I overextend myself to make others happy, even at my own expense?
- Do I fear that people will stop liking me if I assert myself?
- Do I feel uncomfortable expressing my own needs?
- Do I avoid conflict at all costs, even when something is unfair to me?
- Do I stay in relationships that make me feel unworthy or unappreciated?
- Do I feel responsible for other people’s happiness?
- Do I agree with others just to avoid disappointing them?
- Do I struggle to ask for help, even when I need it?
Questions About Negative Self-Talk
- Do I talk to myself in a way I would never talk to a friend?
- Do I frequently call myself stupid, lazy, or not good enough?
- Do I replay my mistakes over and over in my head?
- Do I assume people are thinking negatively about me?
- Do I feel like I have to be perfect to be worthy of love and respect?
- Do I believe that I’m unlovable or unworthy of deep connections?
- Do I dismiss my feelings as not important?
- Do I believe that no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be good enough?
- Do I feel like an imposter, even when I’ve worked hard to achieve something?
- Do I avoid celebrating my wins because I don’t think they matter?
Questions About Fear and Avoidance
- Do I avoid trying new things because I’m afraid of failing?
- Do I hesitate to take risks because I assume I’ll fail?
- Do I procrastinate on tasks because I doubt my ability to succeed?
- Do I talk myself out of opportunities before even giving them a chance?
- Do I feel anxious when I think about stepping outside my comfort zone?
- Do I believe that people will reject me if I make a mistake?
- Do I hesitate to share my opinions because I don’t think they’re valuable?
- Do I avoid social situations because I don’t feel like I belong?
- Do I struggle to make decisions because I’m afraid of choosing wrong?
- Do I let fear of embarrassment keep me from doing things I want to do?
Questions About Relationships and Social Interactions
- Do I feel like I have to prove my worth in relationships?
- Do I stay in friendships or relationships that make me feel drained?
- Do I believe I don’t deserve love unless I’m perfect?
- Do I accept mistreatment because I don’t think I deserve better?
- Do I feel insecure in my relationships, even when there’s no reason to?
- Do I feel like I need to be needed to be valued?
- Do I avoid asking for reassurance because I don’t want to seem needy?
- Do I apologize excessively, even when I haven’t done anything wrong?
- Do I feel like I have to earn affection rather than receive it freely?
- Do I downplay my emotions so I don’t “burden” others?
Questions About Career and Achievements
- Do I feel like I don’t deserve my professional success?
- Do I hesitate to ask for a raise or promotion, even when I deserve it?
- Do I avoid speaking up in meetings because I fear saying something wrong?
- Do I struggle to take credit for my work?
- Do I feel like I need to overwork to prove my value?
- Do I hold back from applying for opportunities because I don’t feel qualified?
- Do I feel like an imposter in my professional field?
- Do I constantly worry about making mistakes at work?
- Do I feel guilty when I take breaks or prioritize self-care?
- Do I hesitate to share my ideas because I assume they aren’t good enough?
Questions About Emotional Well-Being
- Do I feel like I’m constantly fighting against myself?
- Do I struggle to believe in my own potential?
- Do I find it hard to forgive myself for past mistakes?
- Do I feel uncomfortable receiving love or kindness?
- Do I ignore my needs because I feel like they aren’t important?
- Do I struggle with feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt?
- Do I believe that happiness is for other people, but not for me?
- Do I feel disconnected from my own emotions?
- Do I struggle to trust myself and my decisions?
- Do I feel uncomfortable when others see me succeed?
Questions About Growth and Change
- Do I believe I can change my mindset and build self-esteem?
- Do I take time to celebrate my progress, even small steps?
- Do I surround myself with people who uplift and support me?
- Do I challenge negative thoughts when they arise?
- Do I practice self-compassion when I make mistakes?
- Do I remind myself that I am a work in progress?
- Do I focus on progress rather than perfection?
- Do I allow myself to feel proud of my growth?
- Do I intentionally seek out affirmations and positive reinforcement?
- Do I take steps toward healing, even when it feels uncomfortable?
Final Self-Reflection Questions
- If I could talk to my younger self, what would I say?
- What would my life look like if I truly believed in my worth?
- What limiting beliefs about myself am I ready to let go of?
- What are three things I genuinely love about myself?
- How do I show myself love and kindness daily?
- What would I do differently if I weren’t afraid of failure?
- What is one small step I can take today to improve my self-esteem?
- How do I want to feel about myself in the future?
- What is one thing I am proud of right now?
- How can I speak to myself with more kindness and encouragement?
This list isn’t meant to diagnose but rather to guide you in self-reflection. If you find that you relate to many of these questions, it may be helpful to explore ways to build self-worth, whether through therapy, journaling, self-compassion exercises, or surrounding yourself with supportive people. No matter where you are on your journey, you are worthy, valuable, and deserving of love—starting with love from yourself.
