The Three Best Tips For The Inferiority Complex
Get On Top Of Feeling Inferior: Three Key Strategies
Everyone feels inferior at some point. Sometimes, it arises due to comparing yourself with others whom you deem more "accomplished" or generally "better". At other times, it is due to a lack of self-confidence or a vague sense of identity and/or strengths.
Getting on top of these feelings can take some work. But feeling more confident and assured is well worth the effort.
We've covered everything you should know about inferior feelings below, and listed three key strategies to increase confidence.
What Does It Mean? Inferiority Definition
The American Psychological Association defines the "inferiority complex" as:
A basic feeling of inadequacy and insecurity, deriving from actual or imagined physical or psychological deficiency, that may result in behavioral expression ranging from the withdrawal of immobilising timidity to the overcompensation of excessive competition and aggression.
Some synonymous terms and phrases for inferior include:
Insecure
Not good enough
Inadequate
Inferiority Complex
The term 'inferiority complex' is commonly used in pop culture. This term has seeped into our vocabulary, especially when discussing feelings of insecurity or inferiority. This tendency to broadly classify all such negative emotions as an inferiority complex is inaccurate.
Inferiority complex sounds like an official term. But the truth is that it lacks a clear definition and is not a scientifically backed disorder.
But that does not make feelings associated with inferiority complex any less valid or important for good mental health. This is especially the case with larger issues like anxiety or imposterism.
It is natural to feel insecurity, insufficiency, or inferiority occasionally and in certain situations. Such emotions are simply some of the many negative emotions one feels. Sometimes, experiencing these feelings and immediately considering them an "inferiority complex" disorder is thus counter-productive.
Knowing when these feelings are normal and when they point to a significant underlying issue is crucial.
Normal vs Problematic Inferiority
Fleeting moments of inferiority are perfectly normal. Say, for example, you do your best at a presentation, but your boss is unhappy with certain aspects of your performance. However, you may later acknowledge that missing the mark on one task does not automatically make you inferior. You may even use this feedback and apply your boss' comments to perform better next time.
Problematic inferiority refers to very persistent feelings of being not good enough.
It can be problematic if you are constantly comparing yourself to other people and feeling like you're not good enough. Constant self-doubt, insecurity, and inferiority can also hinder your normal functioning and daily life.
If left unchecked, this can have dire consequences for health and wellbeing.
A persistent sense of inferiority can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., social withdrawal), reduced confidence, anxiety, stress, and low mood. It is thus essential to recognise when your sense of inferiority is excessive and take measures to improve on it.
Recognising Signs Of Problematic Inferiority
Here are some signs of persisting inferiority that you should keep an eye out for:
Consistently making unfavourable comparisons between yourself and others, especially on 'performance' measures (e.g., job interview).
Deep-rooted feelings of worthlessness, despair, low self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation.
Feeling insecure or inferior in important life domains.
Changing your behaviours to avoid tasks and situations where you expect to be 'exposed'.
Overcompensatory behaviours such as constantly setting unrealistic goals or having unrelenting high standards.
If you notice any of these signs, working towards more helpful thoughts and behaviours is vital.
How To Cope With An Inferiority Complex
While dealing with feelings of inferiority may feel difficult or impossible in the moment, it is indeed possible to cope with these feelings. Here are some strategies to help you:
Set Realistic Goals
If you tend to set high expectations for yourself, then it is important to consciously set realistic goals. Pursuing meaningful goals in a logical fashion will help you focus on appropriate measures of "success".
Ask For Objective Feedback From People You Trust
Asking certain friends, family, and coworkers for objective feedback can help take a different perspective on yourself. For example, you may habitually underestimate your skills, talents, and strengths. An outside view can help spot this bias and recalibrate.
Question The Basis Of Others' Supposed Superiority
If you feel inferior to someone, it is crucial to examine the evidence that suggests this. Find out whether there are factual reasons for you to believe someone is superior or whether this is an unwarranted assumption.
Summary
Feelings of inferiority can cloud your judgment and lead to a negative self-image if left unchecked.
Knowing the causes and best responses for this state will help you overcome the problem. With these key strategies, you can slowly work towards a healthier self-image.
You can also speak to a professional who will help you improve these patterns and work towards better mental health.
We are Coaching & Clinical Psychologists with extensive experience helping people conquer a range of wellbeing and performance issues at home and in the workplace. We can also help with feeling inferior. Read more about our work, watch practical skills videos or browse other articles. Get in touch anytime.