Opening the new year with this post about ‘Inferiority’. Let’s discuss why we shouldn't feel inadequate or intimidated by others.
Inferior Are We?
“He’s a big shot, we cannot compete with him."
“That’s my boss, there's no way I’m challenging him/her."
"She's a millionaire, we can’t match her money, we better concede."
“That’s a very powerful politician, I’m uncomfortable.”
How many times have you heard inferior, submissive feelings expressed? It is a self-conviction, a sad mindset because it is our comfort zone to not be competitive or to challenge the status quo. Here are some reasons why you should not feel small or inadequate in the presence of others, regardless of their stature, status, or wealth.
Every individual is unique and valuable:
Each person has their own unique set of talents, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Comparing yourself to others based solely on superficial factors like wealth or position ignores the intrinsic value of each individual.
External factors do not determine your worth. It is inherent and comes from simply being you. If you have a job, someone hired you because they couldn’t do what you did.
People often mask:
Public appearances and achievements don't always reflect someone's true inner self. Many successful people struggle with insecurities and challenges just like everyone else.
Don't be fooled by the facade. Focus on yourself, journey, and growth, rather than comparing yourself to someone else's curated image.
Comparison breeds negativity:
Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of inferiority, envy, and dissatisfaction. This negativity can hinder your growth and well-being.
Instead of focusing on what others have, appreciate your unique strengths and achievements. Celebrate your progress. Take time to carry out a self-awareness exercise, to get to know you better.
The potential is infinite:
Regardless of your current situation, your potential for growth and achievement is limitless. Don't be intimidated by someone else's success.
Believe in your abilities, work hard, and work smart to achieve your own goals. You have the power to create your own success story.
You are enough:
You are worthy of love, respect, and happiness just as you are. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Focus on self-acceptance and self-love. Develop a strong sense of self-worth that is independent of external validation. That’s again, self-awareness.
You would assume that writing about inferiority makes it look simple for me to belittle it, but if we're born with a sense of mediocrity and subordination, it's not a simple effort. I'll offer some snippets on how to overcome inferiority in my next post.
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde
Here are some additional tips to overcome feelings of inferiority:
Practice self-compassion. Be kind and understanding to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks.
Focus on your strengths. Identify your unique talents and skills and find opportunities to use them. In corporate language, find your niche!
Set realistic goals. Don't compare your progress to others. Set goals that are challenging but achievable for you.
SMART goals as they say. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relative & Time-Bound
Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who support you and believe in you. Negativity-indulgent people can drag you down, question you, and slow your growth. Also, be mindful that toxic positivity is equally unhelpful.
Seek professional help. If you are struggling with feelings of inferiority, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. Never too late to ask for help. There are many top executives and ‘successful’ people in the world who seek therapy and coaching.
It is a continuous process that should never stop. Keep reading, keep learning, and keep educating yourself on anything and, if possible, little bit of everything.
Remember, you are worthy and capable of achieving great things. Don't let anyone make you feel small or inferior. Believe in yourself and chase your dreams.
Albert Einstein, who famously said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
Find who you are, find your niche, and work wonders. Never compare yourself to others.
From a psychological perspective, feeling small or inferior in front of others can be attributed to various factors:
1. Social Comparison Theory: This theory proposes that people naturally compare themselves to others to evaluate their worth and capabilities. However, this comparison can be biased towards focusing on others' successes and shortcomings, leading to feelings of inferiority.
2. Self-Esteem: Our self-esteem, or how much we value ourselves, can significantly impact how we perceive others. Low self-esteem makes us more susceptible to feeling inferior, while high self-esteem helps us maintain a sense of our worth regardless of external factors.
3. Cognitive Biases: Our brains tend to utilize cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, which reinforces our existing beliefs about ourselves. This negativity bias can exacerbate feelings of inferiority by focusing on our perceived weaknesses and ignoring our strengths.
4. Childhood Experiences: Negative childhood experiences, such as bullying or parental criticism, can contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inferiority. These experiences can shape our internal dialogue and self-perception, making us more vulnerable to feeling inadequate.
5. Fear of Failure: Fear of failure can lead to self-doubt and avoidance of challenges. This can prevent individuals from realizing their full potential and contribute to feelings of inferiority when comparing themselves to others' achievements.
Psychological Strategies to Overcome Inferiority:
> Cognitive Reframing: Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations and self-compassion.
> Focus on Personal Growth: Set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements, regardless of how big or small.
> Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
> Practice Gratitude: Focus on the things you are grateful for, including your strengths and positive qualities.
> Develop Strong Social Support: Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who believe in you and encourage your growth.
> Seek Professional Help: If feelings of inferiority are persistent and interfere with your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist.
Remember, feeling inferior is a common human experience. However, by gaining awareness of the underlying psychological factors and employing appropriate strategies, you can overcome these feelings and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
