Inferiority complex is a thought pattern in which a person starts thinking he/she is inferior to some people (or everybody) and does not deserve to be happy in anyway. It is the lack of self-worth and a feeling of not quantifying or measuring up to the mark or standards. It could be because of some flaw or disability, real or imagined, which keeps the person from accepting himself and living life to the fullest. This complex takes a toll on the person’s well-being, self-confidence and self-worth. Here’s how you can reclaim yourself from the deadly trap of inferiority complex:
Gag the inner critic:
Once you discover your problem is an inferiority complex, then that’s good, because at least you are now aware of what your main problem is and the enemy is no longer hidden from view. You probably have a highly efficient voice sitting in your head which whispers, “You are just no good”, all the time. That’s your inner critic – the guy you would love to see dead. However, you end up listening to that voice and you know you are going to end up just like it promises – with nothing.
Try to analyze on whom you have modeled this inner critic. Is it an authority figure or a judgmental parent or few bad experiences? If you do some soul searching the answer will come to you.
Now all you have to do is go neutral on this inner critic. However, since he has been formed out of you, so it’s not going to be easy shaking him off. He knows all your moves by now. So, gradually ease him out and replace him with affirmations which will give your self-image the much needed shot-in-the-arm.
Take constructive feedback from people who matter
People close to you will often tell you the truth. The truth will either set you free or make it worse. So take criticism constructively because it can help immensely in knowing where the problem lies and can give you inkling about which direction to take. You much rather have a friend who doesn’t mince words than have someone who flatters you all the time.
Some people just can’t handle criticism and their inferiority complex grows worse, leaving them bitter about the world. These people then retaliate by nit picking and becoming finicky tyrants who disguise their inherent lack of self-esteem by being completely intolerant of other’s faults.
Always think positive
Positive thinking is the key to eroding the inferiority complex which has developed over time. Think about what causes you to feel inferior. Your looks? Your intelligence? Sometimes when a relationship fails or someone goes through an acrimonious divorce, it can lead to a vicious circle of self-loathing and hatred. One can completely lose faith in oneself and lose self-esteem. In these cases, it is best to do things that keep the equilibrium of the self. Positive thoughts and being around positive people helps tremendously.
Don’t be such a perfectionist
At the end of the day, no matter who you are, which strata or walk of life you belong to, you are only human. So don’t beat yourself by trying to play god. You cannot control the outcome of every situation.
Some people push themselves recklessly in the pursuit of some goal. The achievement of this goal then assumes maddening proportions. Failure results in self-hatred and a complete anarchy within.
While everyone should strive for perfection, one must also realize that it takes time to get there. So give yourself easy targets for your ambitions. Sometimes parents’ ambitions for their children completely ruin their sense of self-worth, leaving them groping around blindly, pursuing ideals which are not their own. This results in an inferiority complex which eventually creates just an individual full of misery.
Get in touch with your personal power
Personal power is said to reside within you and is responsible for your drive and ambition. If you feel eclipsed in expressing yourself as an individual, then a good exercise will be to establish an inner dialog with your personal power. Feel it alive and kicking inside of you and reclaim your right to be an individual with an independent mind: The captain of your ship. The master of your soul.
