Feeling of scoring low grades in exams than other fellows, under performing during office work as compare to other coworkers and thinking about for not being well settled in life as other friends, are very common in everyone’s life. Sometimes these feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and incompetence are so intense that we decide to give up. These feelings of inferiority complex hold us back personally and professionally.
It is human nature to feel inferior from time to time, but the important thing is how you respond to these feelings. Either you motivate yourself to improve or you start feeling jealous from others and decide to put people down to make yourself better. In fact, inferiority complex is a set of negative thoughts, feelings, and tendencies like feelings of being incompetent, blaming other people for failure and inward sense of defeat.
Causes of inferiority complex
1. Comparison
Comparison is a natural part of human behaviour but when it becomes a habit, it leads to feelings of inferiority. The comparison focuses only on the other person’s visible achievements but not on the effort, setbacks and the context behind them. Once comparisons begin, they often lead to thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never be that successful.”
This kind of repeated self-talk results in low self-esteem because people determine their own worth based on how they measure others. When this process is negative, it shapes your self-concept in destructive ways and ultimately replace your confidence with self-doubt. Therefore, keep in mind that stopping comparisons is the first step to building a healthy self-image.
2. Childhood experience
Childhood experiences are one of the most powerful causes of feelings of inferiority because the early years are when your self-image and self-esteem begin to form. Constant criticism and unrealistic expectations from parents can shape a child’s belief that they will never be good enough. Being compared unfavourably to siblings actually plant seed of self-doubt early in life and creates a core belief of inferiority that can persist into adulthood.
“A child who grows up feeling never good enough learns to measure their worth through the eyes of others—and often spends a lifetime chasing approval they were denied early on.”
3. Social or cultural pressure
Unrealistic standards coming from social media causes enormous self-doubt and complex. Actually, society encourages people to compare themselves to others. When others seem more successful, attractive and happy, this comparison leads to a belief that everyone else is better than me.
On the other hand, cultural expectations about how men and women should behave can lead to feelings of anxiety and inferiority. Men may feel inadequate if they aren’t strong or dominant and women may feel inferior if they are not beautiful. Therefore high societal expectations or cultural norms that emphasize certain achievements can make individuals feel inadequate if they do not meet those standards.
4. Failure or Trauma
Consistent failures, especially in areas such as education, relationships, and career, can reinforce feelings of inadequacy. Over time, people may come to believe that they are not capable or deserving of success. In addition, failure can lead to feelings of inferiority complex when it repeatedly undermines a person’s sense of self-worth, especially if they internalise these failures as personal flaws rather than learning experiences.
This mindset turns isolated setbacks into a permanent self-judgement, damaging confidence and self-image. If failure is met with punishment and disappointment (especially from parents, teachers, or peers), it can lead to shame. This shame further fuels feelings of inferiority.
5. Perfectionism
Perfectionism causes a sense of inferiority complex by setting impossible standards that are out of reach which leads to feelings of failure, self-doubt, and self-criticism. Instead of celebrating progress, perfectionists focus on what went wrong.
This inner voice may sound like I could have done better. This inner critic destroys self-esteem and reinforces the belief that they are inferior to others. They compare their results, appearance, or achievements to those who seem more “perfect” feeding a sense of inferiority.
“Perfectionism is a silent thief—it robs you of self-worth by convincing you that anything less than flawless makes you a failure.”
How to overcome inferiority complex
1. Be optimistic/Re-frame negative self-talk
Positive thinking eliminates the complex and puts you on the path to victory. It replaces all kinds of negative thoughts and helps you move towards your goal with a winning attitude. Positive thinking has numerous benefits not only on psychology but also on physical health. In fact, optimism replaces “I’m not good enough” with “I’m learning and improving.”
2. Stay away from negative people
Avoid people who make you feel inferior and surround yourself with people who encourage you when you start to feel hopeless. Being around people who treat you with respect and kindness can change your internal narrative. You begin to see yourself through a more compassionate, balanced lens, not just through your own critical voice.
3. Stop comparison
Stopping comparison is one of the most effective ways to overcome feelings of inferiority. Stop comparing yourself to others. The root of inferiority complex is the desire to be like someone else. Don’t try to be someone else. Be yourself and stay true to yourself. Through this strategy, you begin to define success on your own terms. This increases intrinsic motivation and makes your confidence stronger and more lasting.
4. Stop worrying about what other think
When you constantly seek approval from others or fear disapproval, you give others control over your self-esteem. This leads to chronic self-doubt, social anxiety, and reinforces the belief that you are not good enough. So don’t let others control your dreams. Live your own life. Research shows that when you feel good about yourself, others tend to feel better about you in return.
5. Master your mind
Reading books, educational podcasts, inspiring blog posts are great sources of motivation and help to uproot feelings of inferiority. Take responsibility for everything that happens in your life. With the same mindset and habits, you are more likely to get the same things, as you did in the past. So change your mindset and uproot all kinds of complexes from your life to live with honor and integrity.
Last but not least, don’t let others write your life story, write it yourself. Your real fight is with yourself, not your competitors. Work on yourself. Learn discipline and ethics. Make the society aware of your existence. Make the society feel that you are here for a greater purpose.
References
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/inferiority-complex-what-is
https://thriveworks.com/help-with/self-improvement/inferiority-complex/
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inferiority-complex
https://www.healthline.com/health/inferiority-complex
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/understanding-inferiority-complex
FAQs
What are the roots of inferiority complex?
The roots of inferiority complex can be traced back to the attachment styles we developed in childhood: if we perceived that our caregivers did not meet our needs in the way we needed them to, we determined that we were not worthy of having our needs met in general.
How do I cure my inferiority complex?
Overcoming feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem requires patience and self-compassion. Start by identifying negative thought patterns and challenging them with positive affirmations. Practice self-care and engage in activities that boost your confidence, such as hobbies or exercise.