5 Steps To Help Overcome An Inferiority Complex That Has Built Up Over The Years

Written By:

Written By:

5 Steps To Help Overcome An Inferiority Complex 2

Inferiority complex can be a hard thing to let go of, but if you hang on to it forever, it can be disastrous for your self-esteem, and self-image.




While attempts to be successful (and become a superior individual) can in ways improve your life …they alone cannot eliminate feelings of inferiority.

Here’s why…



External achievements (which is what being successful and being a superior individual are) can only paper over the deep issues associated with an inferiority complex …and in time will eventually wear away, leaving only the original set of inferior feelings.

An inferiority complex can never be eliminated by accumulating:

  • Money
  • Authority
  • Power
  • Or social approval, etc.

…because these are only external validations. As easy as they come they can ultimately just as easily disappear too…leaving the inferiority complex intact.




Can affirmations fix this problem?

In short – no. Check out my article (Are affirmations just a gimmick?) for a full explanation of this.

You see, the same problem outlined above also applies to the use of affirmations directed at instilling confidence. The affirmation is simply a surface level fix …that does nothing to treat the underlying cause of feeling inadequate and unworthy.

In the short term they can bring a short burst of confidence …but they cannot create a true change in character. In much, the same way as painting over a damp patch on a wall is only a superficial fix to the problem.

Ignoring, avoiding, or otherwise not addressing the root causes of an inferiority complex will ultimately lead to depression …as the conscious mind is not in alignment with the underlying emotions. Failing to address deep underlying emotional issues results in only short term solutions and inevitably leads to depression.

Ok, so how can I tackle the root causes?

The first step for dealing with feelings of inferiority is determining the root causes of these feelings.

The roots may be something fairly straightforward such as being called dumb or lazy as a child by an adult (who ironically is the real dumb individual for saying something like this to a child) …or more intangible like experiencing persistent rejection in your childhood.




After you have identified the root causes of your inferiority complex you can take the following steps to overcome it.

1. Prevent Unnecessary Negative Self-Talk:

The negative self-talk basically consists of thoughts and phrases that you frequently say to yourself when confronting adversity. Expressions such as, “This is never going to work,” or “I always screw these things up,” create a pattern that leads to low self-esteem.

Break this pattern!

Related: STOP Killing Your Self-Esteem: 5 Habits You Need To Change Now

2. Don’t Blame Yourself For Others’ Ignorance:

Never forget that a negative opinion about you is only as valuable as the person it came from. If a terrible teacher or otherwise sick adult called you worthless as a child it does not make it true in any way.

As a child, you had no way of knowing which opinions to value and which to ignore. Now as an adult you can take a second look at the opinions that have shaped your self-image for so long. It is likely with an adult’s perspective on things you will see that the negative opinions that have held such weight throughout your life are actually worthless.

When you feel their weight on top of you, now you can choose to ignore them and disregard the people they have come from. Continue this cycle whenever they appear and begin to build a virtuous cycle of positive thinking that only gives weight to the opinions you truly value.




3. Re-Assess Your Self-Image:

Whereas in the example above, your image of others needed to be readjusted, it may also be the case that you need to take time to rethink your self-image. Often over time people’s self-image is so continuously distorted by the negative opinions of others that it no longer reflects the reality of who they are.

Taking a step back, just as you did when you examined the people whose opinions affected you, to take a second look at yourself can reveal a real you that you didn’t know existed. If your inferiority complex has been based on a false or exaggerated belief that you are ugly or stupid then a mature and adult assessment of who you are will certainly help to end this inferiority complex.

Related: Toxic Shame: How Internalized Shame Alters Our Self-Image

4. Remove Negative Labels That Have Built Up:

After you have taken a good clean look at those who have labeled you …the next step is to remove the labels that you had identified with before. These negative labels were used to describe and exaggerate certain negative traits which over time you internalized as being your defining characteristics.

Removing these labels to start clean is another step on the road in overcoming negative and inadequate feelings.




5. Replace Negative Labels With New Ones:

Now, it is time to use the same type of programming that had you internalize and reinforce such negative feelings about yourself to reprogram your thoughts for positivity and confidence.

Take your best traits and apply those labels to yourself. Whenever you encounter adversity remember these labels and use them to build a repertoire of positive self-affirming thought patterns. If this process seems difficult to do on your own you may consider seeking the help of an NLP practitioner in-person to increase the power of positive suggestions.


Written By John Alex Clark
Originally Appeared On Relationshippsychology.com

The more you hang on to the inferiority complex, the more it will eat into your confidence and inner positivity. What some toxic people think of you is not your reality, nor should it be. Focus on your inner peace, and don’t let them disturb it. The lesser you think about what others think about you, the happier and more confident you will be.

If you want to know more about inferiority complex, then check this video out below:

Inferiority Complex
Steps To Help Overcome An Inferiority Complex Pin


— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

,

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Why We Click With Someone? The Psychology of Instant Connection

Instant Connection Clear Reasons Why We Click With Someone

Ever met someone and instantly clicked? What creates that effortless and instant connection? Let’s explore the psychology behind why you bond so quickly.

Science reveals why we instantly bond with certain people.

Key points

People who click often experience neural synchrony, showing similar brain activity.

We tend to form instant connections with those who share our background, values, or meaningful experiences.

Laughter is a secret signal of connection. Sharing a laugh makes us feel closer and crave more interaction.

Up Next

10 Proven Tips To Overcome Instagram Reels Addiction: STOP Mindless Scrolling Today!

How To Stop Instagram Reels Addiction? Ways

You open Instagram just to check a notification, and before you know it, you’ve spent hours scrolling and watching videos. Instagram Reels addiction is a real problem for all. If it sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

These reels are designed to be addictive short, engaging, and never-ending. But if you’re spending more than 4-6 hours a day watching mindless videos, it’s time to take control.

There are many concerns regarding the impact of Instagram Reel addiction on all age groups. TikTok has been found to be dangerous for children, and it’s likely that Instagram Reels will have the same impact on young teenagers and children.

Up Next

How To Avoid Suffering: 3 Transformational Steps to a Happier Life

How To Avoid Suffering: Transformational Steps

If you think that in order to avoid suffering you have to dodge life’s struggles, then you are not as right as you may think; it’s about handling them in a way that doesn’t drain you. This article is going to talk about how to avoid suffering and start living with more peace, power and joy.

Suffering is a natural part of life but it doesn’t have to be your entire life. In today’s Best Day Blog article, I’ll share three ways that can help you avoid suffering so you can live a happier, more fulfilling life!

How To Avoid Suffering: 3 Transformational Steps to a Happier Life

Step 1- Acceptance

Up Next

Self Love And Healing: How To Practice It

Self Love And Healing Challenging Aspects For It

Do you struggle with self love and healing? Learning to nurture your inner self is essential for growth, happiness, and peace. Explore for more!

Self-love and healing are challenging, because we’re tempted to look outside ourselves for something or someone to take away our pain.

We often flee from pain through distractions, relationships, addictions, or substances, seeking external solutions rather than addressing our inner struggles. Modern life, particularly in urban settings, disconnects us from our natural rhythms.

The fast pace and demands of our culture, constant connectivity, and instant gratification overwhelm our biological makeup and detrimentally affect our emotional and physical health. This lifestyle can

Up Next

What Is Healthy Shame And The 3 Powerful Ways It Helps Us Grow

What Is Healthy Shame And Powerful Ways It Helps Us Grow

When someone begins to heal from their codependency and trauma, they are bound to feel moments of shame. Whether that’s about past behavior or past experiences, most people will view shame negatively. However, there is a dysfunctional shame, which impedes progress, and healthy shame, which helps us.

So today, I am going to be talking about how shame can be beneficial.

Shame can help us move forward for three simple reasons:

1. It clarifies our morals and values.

2. It helps us make amends.

3. It spurs us into action.

It is essential to understand the differences between healthy and dysfunctional shame to move forward feeling empo

Up Next

6 Thinking Styles For Becoming Unstoppable (And Stress-Free!)

Helpful Thinking Styles For Becoming Unstoppable

The way we think influences how we feel, how we handle challenges, and ultimately, how we live our life. Some unhelpful thinking styles create stress, while others help us stay grounded and change our life.

Your thinking style is a powerful tool, it shapes how you process information, make decisions, and solve problems. Since our thoughts shape our reality, adopting the right mindset can be life-changing.

Take a look at six helpful thinking styles that can help you transform into a rel

Up Next

Philosophy as Self-Supervision: Reflecting on Psychological Practice

Philosophy As Self Supervision Important Key Points

How often do you pause and reflect on your own practice? Self supervision isn’t just a tool, it’s a philosophical approach for insight and growth. So let’s explore more!

How philosophical inquiry enhances self-awareness, reflection, and growth.

Key points

Philosophical reflection can be a tool for self-supervision.

Wonder and uncertainty can shape professional growth.

Philosophical inquiry can be integrated into everyday practice.