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5 Signs You Are Settling for Less Than You Deserve

By paying attention to the signs that we may be settling for less, we can start taking steps to shift our mindset and behaviours towards a more positive and empowering direction.

Gunjan Negi

Do you ever feel like you're not quite living up to your potential or maybe something just doesn't feel right in your life?

As human beings, we all have an innate desire for fulfilment, purpose, and happiness. However, sometimes we settle for less than what we deserve without even realising it.

This can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

That's why it's important to be aware of the signs and reflect upon better options.

Although the question of what someone deserves is not easily answered with a simple objective or subjective answer, it can be influenced by a range of factors, in this article we will look into some general signs.

By understanding these signs, you can gain better insight into your patterns of behaviour and make changes to ensure that you are living the most fulfilling and satisfying life possible. So, let's dive in!

People often settle for less in their relationships, or career. It is important to know one's value and match it to the relevant context.
Dr. Suraj Sood, Psychologist, PhD: Consciousness and Society

1. You Are Unhappy but You Don't Know Why

Not knowing why you're unhappy can be a symptom of feeling disconnected from yourself and your own needs. It can be difficult to identify what you truly want and need in life when you're not in touch with your own emotions and inner voice. This can be especially challenging for individuals who struggle with self-esteem and self-worth.

It can become a confusing and frustrating experience, as it can feel like you are in a perpetual state of discontent without being able to pinpoint the cause.

Feeling unhappy without knowing why is a clear indication that something is amiss in your life. It's important to take the time to reflect on your values, goals, and aspirations, and to make changes that align with what you truly deserve in life.

2. You Feel Like Something Is Always Missing from Your Life

This feeling can be difficult to pinpoint, but it can stem from a sense of dissatisfaction with your current situation, a lack of purpose or direction, or a sense of not fully realizing your worth as if there is still more to achieve and accomplish.

From a psychological perspective, this feeling of something missing can be related to the concept of self-actualization, which is the highest level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Self-actualization refers to the process of realising one's full potential and achieving a sense of personal fulfilment and meaning in life.

When you feel like something is missing from your life, it can be a sign that you are not fully self-actualized. This could be because you are settling for less than what you deserve, either in your career, relationships, or other areas of your life. It could also be because you have not yet identified your true passions or purpose in life, and you are feeling unfulfilled as a result.

3. You Rationalise Problems in Your Relationship, Job, or Other Areas of Life

When we rationalise or falsely minimise our problems, we are essentially telling ourselves that what we're experiencing isn't really that bad, and we shouldn't expect anything better.

When we rationalise or falsely minimise our problems, we are essentially telling ourselves that what we're experiencing isn't that bad, and we shouldn't expect anything better. This can be a form of self-deception that we use to avoid facing the difficult truth that we may be settling for less than we truly deserve.

One reason for this can be that someone has a negative self-image and low self-esteem, which leads them to believe that they don't deserve better. It can be a result of past experiences, such as parents or partners who constantly belittled them or made them feel inadequate.

Another reason why someone may rationalise and minimise problems is that they may be afraid of change. Change can be scary, even if it's for the better, and settling for less may feel like the safer option.

Additionally, the lack of change gives a sense of stability and predictability, which can be comforting in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.

4. You Find Yourself Constantly Compromising

While compromise can be a healthy part of any relationship or situation, constantly giving in and compromising on things that are important to you often leads to feelings of resentment, low self-esteem, and a sense of unfulfillment.

This behaviour can stem from a fear of conflict, low self-esteem, or a lack of assertiveness. It may be easier to give in and compromise than to stand up for your needs and wants, especially if you have been conditioned to believe that your desires are not as important as others.

Over time, constantly compromising can erode your sense of self-worth and lead to a stressful life, which in turn makes people often settle for less. It can be difficult to break out of this cycle, but it's important to establish boundaries and learn to assert yourself healthily.

5. You're Not Excited About the Future

This can easily cause feelings of apathy, disinterest, or feeling shackled and stuck in time.

The lack of excitement about the future can be linked to a sense of hopelessness or lack of motivation. When we don't feel like we're working towards something that we care about, it can be difficult to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Furthermore, when we're not excited about the future, it can also be a sign that we're not taking care of ourselves or engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. We may be neglecting our hobbies or passions, or not taking the necessary steps to achieve our goals and dreams. As if we're living a life that's not true to who we are.

This can easily cause feelings of apathy, disinterest, or feeling shackled and stuck in time.

And all this in turn can drown us in an ocean of frustration, dissatisfaction, and depression.

Embracing What You Deserve & Need

You have the power to create the future that you deserve.

As we come to the end of this article, it's important to remember that settling for less than what we deserve is a common issue that many of us face. Whether it's in our personal relationships, careers, or other areas of life, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of a small bubble that holds us back from claiming what we deserve.

However, it's never too late to start making positive changes and striving towards a future that feels fulfilling and meaningful. By paying attention to the signs that we may be settling for less, we can start taking steps to shift our mindset and behaviours towards a more positive and empowering direction.

Remember, you deserve to live a life that aligns with your values and passions. It may take some hard work and dedication, but with the right mindset and support, you can achieve the future that you truly deserve.

So, start embracing what you deserve and what you need. Whether it's setting boundaries in your relationships, pursuing a new career path, or prioritising your mental and physical health.

You have the power to create the future that you deserve. Don't settle for less than what you're capable of achieving, and always keep moving forward towards your dreams and aspirations.

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