The inferiority complex is a state or feeling where one focuses on their personality, body, or condition that they consider to be a fault which makes them feel inferior to others. This defect can be real, but it can also be the fruit of your interpretation or even totally imagined. Most of the time, it is one’s interpretation of the facts that leads them to believe this. You think you are less good, less intelligent, or less attractive compared to others. This feeling can have severe personal and professional consequences, but it is not inevitable. We share some essential tips on how to overcome the inferiority complex.
How to Overcome Inferiority Complex?
There can be different sources of inferiority complex: lack of self-esteem, painful experiences of childhood or adolescence, and other reasonings. But, whatever the reason, you can overcome it with some simple tips that are discussed below:
Cultivate Your Differences
You have certainly not missed it; we are all unique, and this is what makes us interesting. Your differences are not flaws or signs of inferiority, but quite the contrary. Do not try to conform to others. Be yourself, with your qualities, faults, strengths, and weaknesses, like everyone else.
Identify Your Strengths to Overcome Inferiority Complex
When you experience this complex, you tend to focus on your flaws and wrongs with you. In doing so, you leave aside all your qualities, your assets, all these strengths that you necessarily possess without even being aware of it. Since every individual has strengths, what are yours? If you can’t find the answers yourself, ask caring people who know you well to list what they like about you, what you do exceptionally well, your human and professional qualities.
Surround Yourself Well
Some toxic relationships can cause or worsen an inferiority complex. These could be people who devalue you or who are themselves very critical and negative about themselves, dragging you with them into their negativity. Surrounding yourself with caring and positive people who give you a rewarding image of yourself and forgive your faults is essential to improve your self-esteem. Conversely, avoid critical, bitter people who constantly point the finger at what is wrong or what you could have done better.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Don’t try to compare yourself to others. They have their strengths, and you have yours. Realize that such and such a person is particularly good at an activity you do not master. For example, if you are very shy, you may envy and admire someone comfortable speaking in public. You may even feel like this person is better than you. However, this person also has faults, real or imagined, which can make them feel inferior. Who knows? Maybe this person admires your patience, your managerial abilities or your analytical mind? But as busy as you are in devaluing yourself, you are not aware of it!
Accept the Possibility of Failure
When you are not sure of yourself, the fear of failure can lead you not to dare. “I will never get there,” “I am not able,” “it is not even worth trying.” So many doubtful sentences you repeat to yourself will make you not even try and hinder your possibilities of evolution and growth. You must accept failure as an essential component of the path to success. Because by failing, we learn and gain experience, which is how we become an expert in our field.
Not Worrying About What People Think of You Will Help Your Inferiority Complex
When you suffer from an inferiority complex, you are convinced that everyone sees only the flaw that you see. If you feel self-conscious about a physical detail, you will feel like everyone only sees that one thing. However, very often, you are the only one to notice that detail. What other people think shouldn’t take up so much space in your thoughts. Focus on yourself, your job, your hobbies, your plans, your goals. Do things your way, the best you can, without wondering what others think.
Remember, your inferiority complex only exists in your mind. Transform this flaw that prevents you from deploying yourself into an asset for your future. Accept who you are with qualities, flaws, no more and no less than all those around you.
