Probably many of you may feel like you are not good enough, skilled enough, or successful enough. These kinds of self-limiting beliefs are something we all experience at some point in our lives. But what if someone tells you thoughts such as these are not just absolutely normal but can also be used in your favor? Dude, you want to learn it how? Do you know what industry vs. inferiority is? Well, this can be a crucial aspect to encounter self-sabotage.
Lately, I was reading the book 'The Courage to be Disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. What a book it was! It has significantly changed my perception of self and others. In this book, I came across concepts like feelings of inferiority, inferiority complex, pursuit of superiority, and superiority complex. These concepts, underrated yet powerful, once understood clearly, can change your mind immensely.
In this blog, you will explore all these concepts. To be honest, I can't guarantee that just after reading this blog you will change your life. But I am so sure you will learn to adjust your life like a liquid against any shortcomings. So let's explore aspects of industry vs. inferiority: how does the inferiority complex trap us? When does the pursuit of superiority backfire? Also, let's find actionable strategies to override and turn struggle into strength.
What is industry vs inferiority?
The idea of industry versus inferiority comes from psychologist Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychological Development. In simple words, it is a critical stage in childhood, especially during 6-12 years. During this stage, children develop either a sense of competence (industry) or a feeling of inferiority based on treatment they received.
Industry versus inferiority explained
Industry (competence): When children are encouraged for hard work or any good work they have done, they develop a confidence in their ability. When this process is repeated continuously during a child's growth phase (6-12 years), they learn that hard work leads to achievement.
Inferiority: In contrast to industry, if a child is criticized repeatedly for any work they do, they may develop loose beliefs that they are not capable or good enough. As a result, it can create an inferiority complex that follows them into adulthood.
That's why this stage of life becomes important, for it determines our attitude towards life in adulthood. How will one react to challenges they face in life? Will he strive to overcome them or set back in fear of failure?
Industry vs Inferiority example
Imagine a child who loves drawing. But in his initial phase, he is being criticized for his artwork. Over time, he may quit drawing, believing that he is not good enough. On the other hand, this same child is always encouraged by his teacher for his artwork, regardless of quality. He may continue practicing, improving, and eventually become a great artist. This is a good industry vs inferiority example.
Expert insight:
Dr. Susan David, a Harvard psychologist, notes, “How we’re labeled in childhood often becomes our internal script. Rewriting that script starts with recognizing it’s not fate—it’s a story we can edit.”
Pro Tip:
Reframe past criticism. For example:
> “I’m bad at public speaking” → “I’m practicing to communicate with impact.”
Now, let’s see how these childhood experiences influence our adulthood. How it is connected to the inferiority and superiority complexes.
Understanding the inferiority complex: why we get stuck
The term feelings of inferiority was coined by Alfred Adler, father of individual psychology. He argues that feelings of inferiority are universal, but when we let them define us, they turn into an inferiority complex.
For example, you have a recently made friend who is extremely good at communication. He developed it over many years of hard work and practice. You are always overshadowed by his fluent speaking skill and developed a belief: 'I am not good enough in speaking like him.' This is a feeling of inferiority. Even million-dollar company owners have some feelings of inferiority.
But what is the problem then? Well, you don't have any problems till now. But once you develop a feeling that you are not capable of achieving his level of speaking, even after practicing, for whatever reasons, you get trapped by an inferiority complex. You are allowing your feeling of inferiority to define you. This belief, if left unchallenged, can impact your confidence in every aspect of life. An inferiority complex is a mental trap that prevents growth.
Feelings of inferiority: "I am not good enough at speaking compared to him."
Inferiority complex: "I am not good enough to ever speak like him, so there is no point in trying."
Signs of an inferiority complex
1. Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. Overcompensating by boasting or trying to prove your worth.
3. Struggling with self-doubt and low self-esteem.
The 'glass floor' of self-limitation
Kishimi and Koga, authors of The Courage to Be Disliked, compare this mindset to building a glass floor beneath yourself: "You stay safe but forever wonder, what if I'd dared to climb?"
Real-life example
A 2022 [American Psychology Association (APA) study] found that 62% of adults avoid career advancement due to fear of uncertainty. They would rather like to stay in their present role than face the discomfort of growth.
Why does it matter?
The inferiority complex finds nutrition in comparison. Show off culture on social media further strengthens it. Every time you open social media, you scroll through highlights of others' achievements. This can make even a mentally strong person question their self-worth. But as Adler teaches, "The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday."
Pursuit of Superiority: The Positive Side of Inferiority
Sometimes feelings of inferiority demotivate, but they can be used to drive oneself forward. It also has the power to motivate us to improve. Adler talks about the pursuit of superiority—the natural drive to overcome one's limitations and become a better version.
For example, you have feelings of inferiority with your speaking skill—"I am not good enough at speaking as compared to him." Now, you have to rephrase this sentence to "I am not good enough at speaking as compared to him, but I can improve by practicing." At the moment you add 'but I can improve,' you are pursuing superiority.
Danger of Superiority Complex
Sometimes, people use superiority complex to overcompensate for their feelings of inferiority. But what is this superiority complex? Well, it is a false sense of self-importance one uses to hide underlying insecurities.
This can manifest as arrogance, belittling others, or constantly seeking validation. It was argued that when someone has no strength to improve or overcome their insecurities, they try to hide it by displaying a false image of superiority.
A classic example? The person who constantly brags about their achievements, not out of confidence, but to hide their own insecurities.
The Instagram Illusion
Social media fuels this. A 2023 [Journal of Social Psychology study] linked excessive posting to unaddressed inferiority. This is linked with curating “perfect” lives to mask insecurity.
Adlerian Fix:
Focus on self-compassion, not comparison. Ask:
- “Am I competing with others—or my past self?”
- “Does this goal align with my values or society’s?”
Case Study:
Entrepreneur Elon Musk once admitted, “I didn’t think Tesla or SpaceX would succeed… I just thought they were important enough to try.” His drive stemmed from purpose and was not proving superiority.
Overcoming Inferiority: Steps to Transform Inferiority into Industry
If you struggle with feelings of inferiority, here are some actionable steps to break free:
1. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’m still learning.”
Instead of “I always fail,” try “Every mistake is a lesson.”
2. Focus on Growth, Not Comparison
Measure your progress based on your past self, not others.
Social media can distort reality—limit your exposure to unrealistic comparisons.
3. Develop Industry (Competence) Through Action
Set small, achievable goals.
Develop skills through consistent practice.
Surround yourself with people who encourage growth.
4. Accept That Perfection is an Illusion
Even the most successful people have insecurities.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
5. Seek Professional Guidance if Needed
Therapy or coaching can help challenge deep-seated beliefs.
Books like The Courage to Be Disliked offer valuable insights.
Bold Truth: Progress isn’t linear. Relapse into doubt is normal—but not final.
Real-World Wins: Stories of Courage
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, credits her success to her father. One nightly question: "What did you fail at this week?" by her father changed her perception. By reframing rejection as data from that day, she was able to turn a $5000 saving into a billion-dollar brand.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inferiority and Grow
Feeling of inferiority is not the problem. The problem arises when we let ourselves be driven by our own feelings of inferiority. By understanding the industry vs. inferiority, now you may be able to recognize when self-doubt is holding you back. If you got it, try to channel it into self-improvement rather than self-sabotage.
Ask yourself:
Are my feelings of inferiority pushing me forward or pulling me down?
Am I striving for personal growth or hiding my insecurity with a superiority complex?
By embracing the pursuit of superiority in a healthy way, you can transform self-doubt into a powerful weapon for success.
Now, Over to You!
Have you ever struggled with feelings of inferiority? How did you overcome them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also Read: Does the Universe Really Help You Achieve Your Dreams?
Frequently asked questions
Know more about industry vs inferiority.
You can overcome inferiority complex by building self-awareness, challenging negative thoughts, setting realistic goals, developing skills, and embracing self-acceptance and growth.
The idea of industry versus inferiority comes from psychologist Erik Erikson's Stages of Psychological Development. In simple words, it is a critical stage in childhood, especially during 6-12 years. During this stage, children develop either a sense of competence (industry) or a feeling of inferiority based on treatment they received.
A child who learns to read and gets praised feels confident (industry), while a child who struggles and gets criticized feels inadequate (inferiority).
Inferiority means feeling less than others in any or every aspects of life. It often leads to low self-esteem and lack of confidence.