(1) If you have an inferiority complex
find out why. Use this a-bc approach by asking yourself these questions.
(a) What are some of the whys
and wherefores of my feelings of neurotic inferiority? How did my inferiority
complex come about? Am I trying to attain an unattainable goal? (b) Have
I been resorting to negative forms of over-compensation? (c) What
disciplinary steps can I take to eliminate the handicap of feeling inferior?
(2) Have a conscious recognition of
your major limitation or deficiency. Do not try to dodge. Dr W.W. Dyer aptly
observes, “Just learning to appreciate life without cursing reality all the
time, and so
destroying your one chance for
happiness now, can be both the first and last step in your pursuit of complete
fulfilment.”
(3) Don’t worry about having to impress people. Adopt a relaxed
attitude. Be your real “you”. It is the key secret of feeling at ease around
people.
(4) Avoiding things you dislike only deepens your feelings of inferiority. You
can’t overcome social shyness or awkwardness by being a stay-at-home. Get to
meet people and try to be a good mixer.
(5) Stop walking backwards. If you do nothing else, stand still until you are
able to take a step forward. Remember that selfreliance comes with acceptance
of responsibilities and discharging
them. Take the responsibility on your
shoulder and it will leave no room for chips.
(6) If you want to feel big—think big.
(7) Convince yourself that you get what you give.
(8) Decide realistically what you want out of life. Go after it
zealously.
(9) Develop the will to achieve—the iron determination to live a richer,
happier life. As Robert Frost has it, “The best way out is always through.”
(10) Heart-satisfying outlets in music, reading, art, liteature, sports are
specific remedies to overcome inferiority feelings.
(11) Avoid self-denunciation. The girl who stays away from dances because she
is self-conscious about her figure is making it more difficult for herself to
ultimately overcome her inferiority complex. Becoming an excellent dancer will
rid her of that particular
anxiety.
(12) Don’t build a wall around yourself.
(13) Remember that every one has feelings of inferiority. People—big or
small—are so nearly alike that no one needs to feel inferior in the presence of
another. We are all exposed to the same
disappointments, frustrations, threats,
illness, storms, accidents and wars. Our best defence is to build up an inner
immunity against their impact on our morale. To accomplish this you start with
the
confidence that you can survive
physically and emotionally the painful realities of life. If others can do you
can too.