“To be human is to feel inferior.” Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler And Self-Esteem
Alfred Adler was one of the first psychoanalysts suggesting that a person’s psychology is influenced by present and conscious forces. Additionally, he was curious about the influence of the social realm and environment as equally important to an individual’s past. So, where does the inferiority complex come from?
Specifically, Adler was interested in inferiority and the positive and negative effects of self-esteem.
What’s The Difference That Makes The Difference?
In fact, Adler’s interest stemmed from his early career. He worked with people who had physical disabilities. Specifically, he studied the impact of disability on personal achievement and sense of self, he was intrigued by the vastly different reactions within his patients.
For example, Adler found that some people with a physical disability were able to reach high levels of athletic success. Conversely, others felt defeated by their disability and made little effort to improve their situation. Consequently, the question he asked was “what is the difference that makes the difference in the reaction?”
Is Inferiority Complex Founded in Childhood?
According to Adler, an inferiority complex is a universal experience rooted in childhood. In fact, he believed that Children naturally feel inferior because they are surrounded by stronger, more powerful people with greater abilities.
Therefore, children and adults with a healthy and balanced personality gain confidence each time they can achieve external goals.
As a result, feelings of inferiority dissipate until the next challenge presents itself and is overcome. What’s more, Adler believed that this process is continuous.
It's All About Balance
Adler states that where a balanced psyche does not exist feelings of inferiority may never be relieved and a complex of inferiority may be created.
Moreover, an equally unbalanced superiority complex can manifest in a constant need to strive towards goals. Even when the goal is achieved, there is another set of stairs when the door is reached and a continual seeking of further external achievement and recognition manifests.
How Do We Release The Inferiority Complex?
So, how do we address an inferiority complex? Well, from an NLP Coaching perspective, the most effective way is to look for ‘parts’. Specifically, parts are created throughout our lives to protect our inner child, the most vulnerable element of our being.
Indeed, we may also want to reframe limiting decisions or negative emotional experiences from childhood. Hence, allowing our clients a more resourceful perspective.
Moreover, acceptance is a key part of this process. In fact, a belief that ‘I’m ok, just as I am” can be developed when the individual relies less on external validation and develops the ability to manage their own self-esteem. Additionally, setting and achieving small and achievable goals can be a good first step.
Would You Like To Work On Your Acceptance of Self?
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