How to overcome inferiority complex

Every human being in this world, whether tall or small, fat or thin, black or white, throughout his life, one does not feel inferior at times. We often tell ourselves that we’re not good enough, pretty or smart enough, but these statements are often not based on facts. Fortunately, you can still take simple steps to overcome your inferiority complex.

Table of Contents

Coping with your feelings

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Try to find the cause of your feelings. Low self-esteem can stem from something you’ve experienced in the past. To overcome this, you must identify the source of your feelings. Maybe it was a sad childhood experience, a traumatic event, or being put down by people for a long time.

Reflect on the past. Try to recall experiences that may have caused your inferiority complex, some of which may have been buried deep in grief. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Identify the person you feel is inferior to them. If you have an inferiority complex in your heart, you will probably feel inferior to someone. Ask yourself who you feel inferior to. Try to be as specific as possible, or start with a broad range, then narrow it down.

Do you feel inferior to charismatic people? Who are richer, smarter, and more successful than you? Try to name each of them.
Once you’ve figured this out, find the points where they’re no better than you. Do they know how to play the piano like you? Do they have the same work ethic as you? Or your thoughtfulness? Your family tradition? ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Break self-doubt. The first step to dealing with guilt is to break it. Start with the traits that make you feel self-conscious. Think rationally without letting emotions rule. Do you consider those defects as bad? If the answer is yes, remember that everyone has areas that they would like to improve. Maybe you see something as a weakness, but others don’t. Maybe no one notices your wide chin, even if you just think about it all day. You may think your bald forehead is ugly, but some people find bald men attractive.

The flaws you feel don’t actually control you. Whether you have a wide chin, you are overweight or bald, that does not represent who you are. It is only a small part of you. It only controls and dictates your nature if you allow it. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Understand that each of us is inferior in some way. Everyone on this earth is inferior to everyone else. No one in this world owns everything. No matter how beautiful and rich a person is, there are people who are smarter or more compassionate than them. On the other hand, each person has a stronger point than someone else. People are a different combination of positive qualities and also negative qualities. Once you understand this concept, you can begin to see yourself more realistically.

Everyone has flaws, so you have no reason to feel guilty. An exaggerated view of one’s own shortcomings and the embarrassment that comes from it causes feelings of inferiority. The inferiority complex forms and exists right in your head. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Change your way of thinking

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Stop wishing to be like everyone else. The inferiority complex stems from the desire to be like others. They make you want to be someone you’re not. If you keep trying to be someone, you won’t be honest with yourself. This does not include limiting yourself and trying new things. Just don’t try to be someone else. Be yourself.

You can be inspired by people, which means you admire them and learn from their good points. But the main difference here is that you are still yourself. You are not trying to imitate anyone or be someone else. You see them as your guide while remaining true to yourself. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Try not to worry about what people think. Low self-esteem arises when we constantly worry about what others think of us. We often get into trouble with ourselves wondering if other people think well of us. This is an unhealthy type of thinking. You should stop worrying about what other people think of you. Your perspective is what matters. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Sometimes those comments are true, but many times they are just imagination. Focus on making yourself happy and don’t worry about what other people think. Try not to imagine people’s comments.

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Focus on your good points. When you feel inadequate, you are focusing on what you don’t have instead of what you have. Everyone has good qualities. Take an honest look at yourself and your life. List your good points. It could be “I have a good job and lots of room to grow” or “I have beautiful teeth”. When you’re done, try to think about how many good things you have in your life. This may not make you better than others, but you don’t have to be better. You just need to feel happier with yourself and be grateful for what you have. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Take into account every aspect of your life. Maybe you think you have a chubby body, but you have beautiful legs, pretty feet, or slim hands. Maybe you have a wonderful family, smart kids, a good education, a nice car to ride, or a knack for knitting. There are many things that make us more beautiful. Find the positive and focus on it.

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Stop comparing yourself to others. People with low self-esteem often spend too much time comparing themselves to those around them. If you are often like that, then the list of people who are better than you will eventually go on forever. You can’t compare yourself to anyone else, because your life and circumstances are unlike theirs – from your background and genetics to life’s opportunities. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Don’t think in absolutes. The inferiority complex makes us think that if we change something, our lives will be perfect. When thinking “If only I could lose 10 kg, my life would be great” or “If only I had a better job, I would be happier”. However, these things, even achieved, will only give you temporary joy, because the insecurity is still hidden deep inside you. Material and external things that are the ground for inferiority complexes to develop are not magic wands to help you solve problems. Try to reframe the “If only… then I would be happy” mindset. The thought will make you even more frustrated if you are not happy. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Focusing on your strengths, values, and positives will make you much more satisfied. When you learn to accept these things, you will be able to move closer to a happier life.

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Stop saying negative words. The inferiority complex is reinforced day by day because of the negative words you say to yourself. When you say things like, “He doesn’t like me because I’m ugly” or “I won’t get the job because I’m not smart enough,” you’re putting yourself down and inculcating your beliefs. negative and untrue news. Every time you find yourself saying something negative, stop and replace it with something positive. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You don’t have to lie to yourself by saying “He’ll love me because I’m the prettiest”. Instead, talk about yourself in a positive and realistic way. “I am attractive/deserving to be loved by someone. I’m kind, generous, someone everyone wants to be friends with.”

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Build confidence. When trying to overcome your inferiority complex, you need to build confidence. Start by revising the image you imagine of yourself. The inferiority complex is based on your misconceptions about yourself. Try to remind yourself that the image is not true and does not represent reality.

Remove the adjectives you have assigned to yourself. Don’t think of yourself as stupid, ugly, failed, or anything else. Deny those things when you think about yourself. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Take positive steps

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Don’t limit yourself to socializing. Low self-esteem often makes you withdrawn, antisocial and timid. People with low self-esteem are sometimes afraid of contact and don’t open up. You need to push yourself to interact with people. Feelings of inferiority are right there in your head. The more people you interact with, the more you will understand that no one will judge, mock, or put you down. You can learn to be comfortable and confident in front of people. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Be around positive people. The people we associate with can have a significant impact on our self-esteem. If you are often around negative people, who are always critical, analytical and judgmental of others, you will be affected. Instead, spend time with positive people. Find people who accept and like others without judgment. When you’re around people who aren’t judgmental, it’s easier to accept yourself. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Confidence has to come from within yourself, but being friends with people who accept you also helps. This will break the misconception that everyone is judgmental and critical of you.

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Continue to improve yourself. One way to beat feelings of inferiority is to continue to improve yourself, which can include any aspect. Hone your work-related skills, try out a new hobby, pursue an existing hobby, set a fitness goal, or save up for the vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Strive for a more dignified and better life. This will help you feel less inferior, because it’s hard to feel inferior once you’ve accomplished your goals. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Do volunteer work. One way for you to get into reality is to help people in the community. Whether it’s working in a charity kitchen or participating in an animal rescue, volunteering can help you see your real situation. Your situation is not as bad as you think.

Volunteering can give you a sense of fulfillment and pride. You feel less inferior because of your contributions to the community. It also helps you no longer feel inferior and a burden. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Confront your biggest fear . You think people stare at you and comment on you? That could be true too, but don’t let it haunt you – everyone is different. Any comments you receive are worthless and should be ignored at all costs. It is quite possible that they also think there is something wrong with themselves.

Advice

Never listen to anyone who puts you down.
Believe in myself; you are special.
Never consider your differences as inferior.
Focus on your strengths and good qualities.
You are special, love yourself. Every human being who enters this world is wonderful in his or her own way.
Remember that you are not the only one with that difference.

Steps

Coping with your feelings

Change your way of thinking

Take positive steps

Advice

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