An inferiority complex is a persistent sense of personal lowliness arising from inner clashes of thought. An inferiority complex is (in most cases) connected to physical appearance but it can also be other factors (wealth, intelligence, social status, or even personality).
Inferiority complexes are in my opinion, the worst. Essentially, you create this perception of inferiority on your own and only you have the power to remove it.
This article is designed to help you understand the root cause behind your inferiority complex and help you overcome it.
Identify The Root Cause
At one point or another, you may have felt threatened by or jealous of another individual. But as a human being, these feelings are natural and do not necessarily mean you have an inferiority complex. Constantly feeling insecure can be an indicator. Another indicator may be constant perfectionism and overworking. Individuals as such, usually try to compensate for their insecurities through performance enhancement. Though, in most cases, an inferiority complex can be the result of these 3 main factors:
1. Childhood Upbringing:
A toxic environment for a child can be incredibly harmful to their personal development. A disapproving nature, negative remarks, and constant blame will only result in the child developing an inferiority complex. Instead, parents/guardians should try to always treat children with kindness and respect. Age should never be an excuse to treat someone poorly.
2. Physical Appearance:
Everyone is born with a unique physique. And most individuals are conscious about different features of their body. Mainly due to societal expectations. Whether it is your height, weight, strength, speed etc., remember that nobody is perfect! So, don’t feel insecure if your lips aren’t as big as society wants them to be!
3. Social Factors:
Social factors include race, culture, economic status, religion, friends etc. Many people feel insecure about their lifestyle and choices. This can put a lot of pressure on the individual and cause them to adopt an inferiority complex.
All 3 of these factors can make someone feel unworthy and insecure. Potentially causing individuals to face an inferiority complex.
Remember only you decide your worth! The first step to conquer this complex is to look at all the positives in your life and be grateful! Just because one of your features may not be according to societal norms, doesn’t mean you’re any less beautiful or amazing!
How To Overcome An Inferiority Complex
Usually, an inferiority complex is developed through negative thinking and over-analyzing. Hence, the only way to overcome it; is through thinking as well.
Next, it is important to understand your problem! Start by breaking the problem down into pieces and then try to deal with it.
So essentially start out by asking yourself questions until you achieve a positive result.
You must understand and truly believe that any flaw or defect you might have is not so bad! It does not in any way, shape, or form make you any less of a person! You need to motivate yourself by reading success stories.
Example:
For example, Winnie Harlow was initially bullied for her Vitiligo (a skin condition). Through perseverance and determination, she became a world-famous model and Vitiligo spokesperson! She took her insecurity and transformed it into something motivational and inspiring!
In a 2019 episode of “Success with Moira Forbes“, Winnie Harlow stated,
My definition of beauty shouldn’t have anything to do with your definition of beauty. I think beauty is really within the eye of the beholder. Everyone should stop focusing on what everyone else thinks beautiful is…You have to focus on what you want to be given in life, and stop just taking whatever is given to you… Don’t let anyone get you out of your focus or out of your character. I think it’s really easy to get frustrated in life and get upset in life, but you can’t let other people take you out of your character. You always have to be true to yourself.”
Thus it is important that you convince your self that you can and you will overcome your complex. Realize that everybody has flaws and you are not alone. I can guarantee you, everyone you know has something they wish they could change. Yes, even the most confident and popular person you know. Realize that whatever flaw you have does not affect you unless you let it affect you. Only you control yourself.
Final Words
To sum everything up, I would like to mention a quote by Robert Dittmer,
You may well have had some bad experiences in which your ideas and actions did not achieve the desired result—we all experience that. But it’s very likely you’re just forgetting your successes, too focused on one situation or set of circumstances.
Low self-esteem can leave us with a distorted view of reality, and that can be difficult to see around. If you do need to make improvements, then make them.Failures are almost always caused by a series of factors. Find out what yours are.
Do you need more training?… a mentor?… more experience?
If so, take care of it.Finally, remember that you do have strengths. Identify them and build on them. Use them as often as you can, and you will be rewarded with successes. And those successes will, in time, help combat the feeling of inferiority.
Recognize that no one is truly inferior to others. Inferiority is a barrier to creating positive relationships.
Overcome that inferiority.
Overall you must realize you are in charge. These little faults you may have are not important and do not matter! In the end, you must be happy with who you are. Believe that only you can get rid of your inferiority complex.
Best of luck on your journey of overcoming your inferiority complex! Feel free to leave some related stories below. 🙂
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