Inferiority Complex..How Can I Gain Self-Confidence?

Reader’s Question

I am a 27 year old guy who has been heavily suffering from inferiority complex right from my childhood. My mind is always full of negative thoughts which make me feel that I can do no task (not even a small one) perfectly. I am an introvert in nature and can’t mix up with people around. Please guide me on steps I could take to gain enough self confidence to succeed in my life.

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Negative thoughts come from several sources. First, as you describe, they often come from our experiences and our background. Childhood experiences and teachings can give us many negative self-images and lower our self-confidence. Second, an introverted personality can sometimes make us feel socially uncomfortable. While we can be completely happy and introverted by chosing the right lifestyle, career, and social network, insecure introverts often feel they are socially clumsy and inadequate — also feeling that everyone around them is judging them.

Lastly, depression can produce negative thoughts — more than even a combination of childhood and introversion. The key? Depression produces those thoughts on a continuous basis, 24/7, with or without a social situation being present. Depression torments us with our failures, our bad memories, and our difficulties. If you are depressed, you’ll also have symptoms of depression such as social withdrawal, sleep/appetite problems, poor concentration, work inefficiency, etc. I’d review some of the information on depression on this website.

I’d also recommend seeing a counselor/therapist. You will need to rebuild your self-esteem and correct the negative perceptions created by your past. Ask the professional about depression as a possibility as well. I’d also search the internet for techniques to improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. A simple Google search for “building self-confidence” can produce thousands of websites offering free hints and ideas.

Your situation can be treated and improved. You’ll need to get busy, however.