Recognizing and Addressing Red Flags in Yourself

12 red flags to look out for in yourself, plus tips on how to address each one

We all have times in our lives when we do things or follow patterns that are not good for us. These warning signs, also called "red flags," are actions that can hurt us or others if we don't stop them. But noticing these warning signs is only the beginning.

It is just as important to take steps to deal with them and move toward personal growth and well-being. In this article, we'll look at 12 red flags you may be showing and advise on what to do about each of them. By noticing and dealing with these warning signs, you can change your behavior and improve your relationships with yourself and others.

Examples of red flags to look out for in yourself

Below I have listed 12 common red flags you must look out for yourself. Take your time to read each red flag carefully and keep track of (or note down) which applies to you. Because at the end of this article, I will show you how to take action to address each listed red flag.

1. You're extremely harsh on yourself by constantly judging and criticizing yourself.

2. You don't feel good about yourself unless you ignore your own need and take care of others.

3. You ignore your need to take a break and rest because you fear of being viewed as lazy.

4. You don't communicate your boundaries or ask for what you need but expect others to know.

5. You repeatedly let others get away with hurting you because you make excuses for them out of empathy for their circumstances.

6. You struggle to delegate and choose to micromanage others, thinking that no one can do it but you.

7. You expect others to know how to love you, even though you don't know how to love yourself.

8. Procrastinating important tasks to the point that your work quality suffers.

9. Withdrawing yourself from social interactions because you feel uncomfortable around others.

10. Acting on your impulses without considering the consequences for yourself or others.

11. Struggling to effectively manage your time and prioritize your tasks in a stress-reducing way.

12. Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself and beating yourself up for making mistakes.

How many red flags did you find in yourself? Let me know in the comments below. (Remember, you're not alone. There is nothing shameful about exhibiting red flags as long as you recognize and plan to address them.)

How to act to address your red flags

It's important to recognize unhealthy behaviors in yourself, and it's just as important to know how to address them and to see a path forward. Below I am listing specific tips to address each red flag listed above: