7 Signs of Inferiority Complex
Learn to recognise signs of inferiority complex. An inferiority complex is a state whereby you persistently believe and feel that you are not able to measure up to others. It is a sign of low self-esteem. The thought behind an inferiority complex is “I am not good enough”.
“The greater the feeling of inferiority that has been experienced, the more powerful is the urge to conquest and the more violent the emotional agitation.” – Alfred Adler
At least 95% of people have at one point or another encounter thoughts and feelings of inadequacy. However, you are said to have an inferiority complex should you constantly compare yourself with others. You see yourself as being in second place or falling short. Consequently, you feel poorly about yourself.
Root Belief of Inferiority Complex: I am Not Good Enough
Most of us are not always so confident about ourselves. In fact, I will consider having a level of uncertainty as “normal”. It’s how we are motivated to make a change or improve on the areas that we are weaker in. However, the call to make a positive change should really be something that supports inner growth. This is opposed to zealous attempts to win due to the fear of losing out.
There could also be situations whereby we feel that we lack practice, are not as well prepared or not as academically smart as someone else. Such self-doubt does not qualify as an inferiority complex unless we have deep-rooted beliefs about not being good or worthy enough. Where we are driven by our subconscious fears, we can undertake actions or behavior that undermine our wellness.
Despite having zapped many of my limiting beliefs, I still encounter situations, whereby I feel inadequate or not quite up to par. On reflection, I understand that the impetus to compare is an instinct for survival. And it is the ego that has this impetus.
The ego thrives only when it is superior. It needs to compensate with superiority from feelings of inferiority. We get to hear its pesky voice in our head, “not good enough”. In fact, I hear the same voice whenever I am working on a new book or project. When it strikes, I will invariably start to feel nervous from thoughts of not being good enough as compared to the more established experts. In an unaware state, my mind would go on an overdrive. It’s the ego that is taunting me with fears of public rejection, shame and humiliation. Of course, these fears were mostly psychological.
If I were not mindful enough, I would have allowed these pangs of insecurity to prevent me from putting out books or any work. I acknowledge that if the same situation were to happen 10 years ago, I believe that I would not be able to create anything at all. I would have been paralyzed into inaction, due to having an inferiority complex back then.
Signs of Inferiority Complex
What is key is awareness. We shine light into our shadows to dissipate the dark. What is important is to bring awareness on what constitutes as signs of inferiority complex or inadequacy.
1. Heightened Sensitivity to Other People’s Opinions. Are you highly sensitive to what others think and say about you? Do you immediately feel small whenever there is a critical comment about you? Don’t feel confident about yourself?
You often take it to heart what others say. You crumble at the slightest remark about yourself. The alarm bells inside your head go ringing, “You are not good enough”.
2. Social Withdrawal. You dislike being in a crowd because you cannot get rid of the sneaking suspicion that you are not as good as others. You would rather not have others find out the truth about how lousy or insecure you are. You hate any forms of comparison, which could be inevitable if you belong to some kind of a group. You prefer to be left on your own.
3. Fault Finding. You have a trained eye in picking up the faults or imperfections about others. Since you do not already feel good about yourself, you may as well cause others to feel poorly too. Thus, no one in your mind can be superior. In other words, you need to make others feel small so that you can look bigger.
4. Place Own Needs Last. Having an inferiority complex can cause you to put your own needs last. You try to brush them aside. However, you are really wallowing in feelings of unworthiness. Over a long time, you start to accumulate anger.
5. Crave For Flattery. Compliments make you glow with pride. However, when you have an inferiority complex, you are dependent on flattery. You go all out to be nice to everyone, so that you can receive validation. Validation makes you feel good about yourself. Your ego gets hugely inflated.
6. Performance Anxiety. You just hate competition. You don’t like to lose. Losing makes you feel like a failure. You find it hard to get over being second place. Every time you need to perform, you sweat profusely.
7. Procrastination. You cannot seem to get motivated. There is a reason why you are not able to get off the couch. The root belief is that no matter how much you try, you are never going to be good enough. And so you are feeling very unmotivated to get going.
Inferiority Complex: A Case of Perception
Mostly, inferiority complex arises from your perception; rather than what is actually the case. You draw conclusions based on your evaluation of experiences. Very often enough, these evaluations are not facts and likely to be distorted.
Self-doubt plagues you when you have an inferiority complex. Misery sets in. You are likely to undertake compensating behavior so that you can psychologically make up for the difference. Taken to the extreme, an inferiority complex can drive anyone to depression, isolation and suicide.
Fortunately, it is possible to overcome signs of inferiority complex sufficiently to experience greater freedom, happiness and peace. We begin by becoming aware of the belief that is behind our emotional disruptions and outward behaviour. We let go of the thought of “not being good enough” to knowing ourselves as being enough.
Should you have a severe case of inferiority complex, get assistance from a coach or therapist. Based on my experience and having helped many other women, I would like to share that it’s possible to overcome it. If you like, reach out to me. Let’s have a chat and discuss about your issues!
Love and Abundance Always,
Evelyn Lim
Mindset Coach for Women. Energy Healing Practitioner.
P.S. Do “like” or “share” this post on social media, if you agree to the importance of creating greater awareness about having healthy self-esteem!
Share Your Story
Share your observations about inferiority complex in the comments below.
Download Your Free eBook on 3 Mindset Strategies to Turn Self-Doubt into Confidence When You Subscribe
Evelyn Reply:
April 16th, 2013 at 9:57 am
Hello Joan,
Thank you for sharing about your friend.
Yes, I have been surprised too. I have friends who appear to be successful and at top management levels but their little secret is that they do not believe that they are not good enough. And I thought I was the only one, at one stage. It’s really our shadow.
By sharing about our own insecurities, we can also begin to realize that we are not the only ones with the root belief. We begin to be aware that we are the ones holding ourselves back. In the process, we also learn to laugh at ourselves 🙂
Love and blessings,
Evelyn
[Reply]
habte Reply:
October 14th, 2014 at 8:52 pm
Hi guys,
I wanted to join your discussion because i feel that i am suffering from a “cycle” of low self esteem. I don’t know how to get rid of it. It is really affecting my normal life. I can’t think of big things: i am simply struggling to be out from the feelings. One thing i know is that i have something good: but it isn’t enough to make me feel good.
[Reply]