An inferiority complex is the lack of self-worth, a doubt and uncertainty about oneself, and feelings of not measuring up to standards. It’s not a momentary lapse in self-confidence, but a debilitating disease that needs to be addressed.
According to Adler, the psychologist that introduced the term, “Everyone (…) has a feeling of inferiority. But the feeling of inferiority is not a disease; it is rather a stimulant to healthy, normal striving and development. It becomes a pathological condition only when the sense of inadequacy overwhelms the individual and, far from stimulating him to useful activity, makes him depressed and incapable of development.”
Here are 5 symptoms that you should not ignore:
1. You require constant validation
People who didn’t get the praise they needed as children are not able to do almost anything without being validated from outside.
MORE: 10 Signs You Were Raised By Narcissistic Parents
2. You care too much about other people’s opinion
It’s normal to take into account what people think of us. But if you are obsessed with what others think of you, if you cannot let go to any small criticism and mull over every unpleasant conversation, this might indicate a more serious problem.
MORE: 3 Essential Lessons You Need To Learn If You’ve Ever Been In An Abusive Relationship
3. You put your needs last
If you consider yourself inferior to everybody else, you probably put their needs before yours. That’s not a healthy attitude and may lead to anger and resentment.
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4. You procrastinate often
Being always afraid that you are not good enough could explain why you feel terrified to start a new project. Always postponing is avoiding being told that you’ve done a bad job.
MORE: Tips And Tricks To Overcome Procrastination
5. You are judgmental
If you always find faults in others, if you have no problem telling them how awful they are, you might tell yourself that you do that because you are sincere. In reality, what you are subconsciously doing is change the focus from your faults to the faults of others.
Make sure you don’t ignore these signs and address the problem properly! Please, share this!
