Inferiority Complex: 11 Powerful Ways You Can Eliminate It

An inferiority complex is a devastating belief that you’re inadequate in some way. Even though it may feel like everyone else has their life together while yours crumbles around you, that’s not the case. Many people deal with this problem at times. Some people try to ignore it, but it won’t disappear on its own. In fact, it can get worse, it has the power to shatter your confidence and happiness.

You must crush this massive obstacle in your path. What you think about yourself defines who you are today and who you’ll be in the future. So, if you believe you are not as “good” as other people, you’ll avoid challenges and miss out on opportunities.

However, these thoughts are lies, and they’ll shatter your self-esteem if you believe them.

But, don’t feel ashamed for feeling this way. It’s something everyone goes through at some point. Whereas, you’re a step ahead of the others for being brave enough to conquer it.

It’s always helpful to recognize the signs of an inferiority complex, so you can shut it down ASAP.

Here are the top signs of an inferiority complex:

• Having overly aggressive behavior or acting with overbearing pseudo-confidence
• Timidity or shyness
• Always comparing yourself to others
• Excessive expectations of others
• Needing praise and complements
• Extreme sensitivity to other’s opinions and criticisms
• Perfectionism

This complex often forms from childhood wounds or comparing yourself to others. It will cause you to magnify your faults and crave other people’s attributes.

The worst thing you can do is think that you’re the only one who feels this way. Everyone has something that they’re not proud of, but it’s their choice if they allow it to devastate them or not.

Luckily, an inferiority complex isn’t inherited; it’s learned. Therefore, you can unlearn it.

Keep reading to discover how to end this destructive thought pattern.

How to triumph over an inferiority complex:

1. Deal with the root problem of your inferiority complex

Ask yourself: Who makes you feel inferior?

“Envy suggests inferiority.”

—Wayne Gerard Trotman

Think about who or what situations make you feel less than adequate. Ask yourself, what makes you think this way?

Is there something about you that you feel is unacceptable, and can you fix it? If not, it’s best to accept and embrace it. Besides, those that love you do so despite your flaws. So, why can’t you do the same?

Have you been picking old wounds?

“To anyone that ever told you you’re no good … They’re no better.”

— Hayley Williams

Bullying from childhood can create an inferiority complex. Most people were teased at some point in their lives but you don’t have to carry this useless baggage forever.

First of all, it doesn’t apply to you anymore. You’re not the same person now. Besides, whoever insulted you was reacting to their own issues. So, it never had anything to do with you.

Children internalize negative remarks and believe that every insult defines them for life. Now, as an adult, you can change how you think of yourself and eliminate your inferiority complex.

2. Don’t increase your inferiority complex, embrace your uniqueness!

“Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

—Marianne Williamson

Celebrate that you’re not identical to everyone because then you’d blend into the crowd. Thus, making you invisible.

Although it’s not easy to be unique if you think it’s a horrible thing. But once you say, “screw it!” and you stop focusing on how you contrast with others, life begins! I learned that lesson long ago, and it changed my life.

So, love your distinctive traits because standing out is how you succeed!

3. Write down your best qualities

“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”

—Dalai Lama

An inferiority complex makes you focus on your flaws and then ignore your best qualities. So, make it a point to sit down a write out all the reasons you’re a delightful person.

For instance, you know you can make people smile and laugh. You have to potential to bring joy to others’ lives. All people (including you) are amazing in some way.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What are your talents?
• When was a time that you were brave?
• What hard times did you survive?

You should be proud of these answers, write them down, then put the list where only you can see it every day.

Also, it helps to recognize your strengths. If you’re not sure what your abilities are, here are some links to strengths tests.

4. Accept what you can’t change and let it go

“Inferiority complex makes people place more emphasis on survival instead of living.”

—Constance Chuks Friday

Take action to fix the things that make you feel inadequate. Write down your insecurities and put their solutions next to them. Next, create an action plan to correct them.

You might find that it’s impossible to fix some of them because they’re out of your control. For instance, if you’re short, you can’t grow taller. Therefore, you must accept it.

You should let go of what you can’t change. Otherwise, you’ll keep beating yourself up for a lifetime. So, accept the fact that you can’t change it and let go of hating this part of you. Besides, you can make your sense of humor and personality outshine any flaw.

Accept and love yourself enough to improve what you can. After you make progress, you’ll gain confidence and self-respect.

5. Redefine your self-image

“Argue for your limitations and, sure enough, they’re yours.”

— Richard Bach

Your self-image is how you perceive yourself. Your subconscious mind uses your thoughts of yourself to create your self-image. So, your way of thinking either improves or damages your self-image.

It’s imperative that you repair your mindset and conquer these destructive feelings.

These beliefs are not valid. Although, if you believe them, they will seem like they’re correct. Furthermore, your thoughts will influence your actions to align with them. Therefore, if you think you’re a loser, you’ll act like one.

You must be vigilant in not accepting negative labels. Celebrate the things you do right!

6. Be nicer to yourself

“You are what you believe yourself to be”

—Paulo Coelho

Beating yourself up for every mistake will crush your soul and worsen your inferiority complex. Instead, treat yourself as you would a loved one. Calmly state that sometimes things don’t work out, but that doesn’t mean they never will. Dust yourself off, make a new plan, and go for it again.

Take care of yourself because, in the end, that’s all you’ve got. No one will continually guide you through life. We must do that on our own.

Think positive thoughts about who you are at least two to three times every day. When you make a mistake, have self-compassion, and encourage yourself to keep going. Messing up won’t take away your worth, but your thoughts will make you believe it.

7. Build confidence to destroy an inferiority complex

“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.”

— Roderick Thorp

It’s helpful to get an attainable goal to work towards every day. As you build your skills and see your progress, you can’t help but become confident. So, confront your fears and push past your comfort zone. Prove to yourself how amazing you are!

Also, stop the “all or nothing” thinking and catastrophizing every situation. Things are never as bad or as good as you think.

Furthermore, stop minimizing your positive qualities. Acknowledge and embrace your best traits more than your perceived defects.

Your emotions take cues from your body language. As a result, you won’t feel confident if you’re slouched and grimacing. Sit and stand straight, shoulders back, and take up space.

Also, replace any depressing self-talk with encouraging messages. Besides, the most important relationship you’ll have in life is with yourself, so be nice!

8. Don’t compare yourself to others

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

If you catch yourself feeling jealous of someone. Realize that they’re not superior to you, they’re just different. Both of you are imperfect and unique.

It’s possible that while you envy someone, another person is jealous of you. Besides, you don’t know what anyone suffers from behind the scenes. If you were to transform into them one day, you might wish to go back to your old life.

Moreover, don’t tell yourself that everyone is living their dream life, and your life sucks.

Keep in mind that people only share their imaginary “perfect” lives on social media. Everyone has insecurities, problems, and drama. So, don’t believe what you see—it’s not real. They edit their photos and handpick their stories. Thus, it’s ridiculous to compare yourself to that.

9. Stop worrying about others’ opinions of you

“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.”

—Mark Twain

Depending on people’s approval will worsen your inferiority complex. Your worth does not fluctuate with the amount of acceptance you do or don’t receive. So, don’t put your self-worth in other people’s hands.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to live your life for somebody else?
• Is their approval worth sacrificing your happiness?
• Do you need their consent to enjoy your life?

Be proud when you try new things. That will give you the motivation to keep going, regardless of the result.

Also, don’t try to assume what people think of you. If you could see what they’re thinking, you’d find that they’re more worried about themselves and their lives. They aren’t judging you. Besides, what they think of you doesn’t mean that’s who you are anyway.

Only what you believe about yourself matters.

10. Hang out with supportive people

“Only surround yourself with people who lift you higher.”

—Oprah Winfrey

Toxic people worsen your inferiority complex. Nobody is worth that internal pain!

Let them wreck someone else’s life because you are on to better things.

Each time you put yourself in a situation with a toxic person, you’re harming your mental health.

You’re far better off being in solitude, enjoying your hobbies, or learning something new. Also, you’re not “missing out” on anything; you’re enjoying your time instead of weakening your mind.

On the other hand, you’ll gain confidence when you hang around people that treat you with respect. You’ve got to do what’s best for your well-being. So, pay attention to how people make you feel. Then keep your distance from those that manipulate or embarrass you.

11. Eliminate your inferiority complex by making yourself proud

“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.”

—Thomas Carlyle

What would make you proud of yourself? For example, you could start eating healthier, meditating, or working toward a goal.

However, your self-worth shouldn’t rely solely on your accomplishments. The fact is that sometimes things don’t work out how you want. Either way, believing that you’re always worthy will encourage you to try again or move on to something else.

Also, don’t focus on getting praised for everything you do. Do things to impress yourself.

In short, an inferiority complex will ruin anything you try to build. But you have the power to overcome this mindset, and doing so will dramatically change your life.

So, focus on your strengths and encourage yourself every day. Stop worrying about what others think of you. They aren’t worried about you anyway.

Also, seize the chance to subscribe (below)! That way, you’ll get encouraging articles and freebies sent to you every week. Repetition is essential for change.

You can now let go of your insecurities and live the life you deserve! Also, let me know what you think about the inferiority complex in the comments!

Subscribe to Motivated Progress

Leave this field empty if you’re human: