UNDERSTANDING INFERIORITY COMPLEX
By OMODELE Goodness
If you find yourself constantly comparing your achievements, failures, attributes with someone else's, regularly overthinking every commendation or criticism, frequently feeling inadequate to carry out tasks, or even being overly competitive to show you're better than others, then you might be struggling with an inferiority complex which is associated with low self esteem.
As defined by Wikipedia, inferiority complex is a constant feeling of inadequacy that results in the belief that someone is in some way deficient, or inferior, to others. In short, it is feeling inferior to others and inadequate, whether or not it's real.
These feelings are as a result of different factors such as:
Negative experiences in relationships and social interactions
Constant criticism from family or friends
Society standards on how we ought to appear( i.e the size, colour and shape of our bodies), what we're meant to acquire, and how to act etc.
Physical defects,
Past failures
Difficulty in learning
Signs and Symptoms
While inferiority complex manifests differently in different people. According to research, some common ways it manifests are as follows:
Low self esteem
Avoidance and withdrawal from social gatherings
Sensitivity to criticism and opinions of others: This is overreacting to negative comments or taking them as personal attack, even when the individual didn't mean it that way.
Constant comparison with peers, family or friends
Negative self talk: Even our passive words reflect our deepest thoughts. If you find yourself usually talking down on yourself and abilities whether as a joke or not, that's not being humble, it's an indicator of inferiority complex.
Pessimism: People with an inferiority complex tend to focus more on negative experiences, outcomes and comments.
Difficulty maintaining eye contact: This is one indicator of low self confidence which is associated with an inferiority complex.
Difficulty admitting mistake for fear of judgement
Fear of failure which leads to avoiding competitions, opportunities and challenges
Difficulty accepting compliments
Low motivation.
It is important to know that not all these signs and symptoms are applicable to everyone
Practical Ways To Handle Inferiority Complex
Practice Self-Care: Be it in your words and in your physical appearance, always practice kindness to yourself. Acknowledge that you're human and that no one is perfect, rather than being hard on yourself.
Replace Self diminishing thoughts and words with positive affirmation
Develop your strengths: Focusing on strength and journey of development rather than comparing yourself with others helps build your self confidence. Build yourself with a motivation to be proud of yourself rather than to prove anything to anybody
Set Goals: Have a list of realistic goals to accomplish within a specific timeframe and journal every win.
Engage in activities you enjoy: Pursuing new hobbies and activities you enjoy can help to improve your self esteem.
Avoid negative relationships: In overcoming an inferiority complex, it's important to stay away from negative people. Instead surround yourself with people who love you and challenge you to be a better version of yourself without being judgemental.
Challenge yourself: Step out of your comfort zone to seek and maximise new opportunities to challenge yourself.
Practice Expressing your needs and opinions without being aggressive or timid.
As students, the pressures of academic expectations, social comparison, and personal insecurities can easily feed feelings of inferiority. But it's important to remember that your mental health is just as vital as your physical well-being. An inferiority complex, if left unchecked, can quietly erode your confidence, relationships, and even your academic performance.
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