Overcome inferiority.

Overcome inferiority.

In the theme of International Women’s celebration, I wanted to explore the reasons we celebrate women, and one reason that I found worth mentioning was that no matter our achievements and how women have made history and defied the odds, they all have to confront this, how to overcome feeling inferior at moments of our lives. The truth is that with this ability, we can get through many challenges. 

Since we were little, the world kept telling us to be proper, not rude, not too loud or aggressive, or give up on what we believe in. From our families to society, social standards and expectations, politics, and yes, men occasionally or often contribute to this problem. Especially where there is competition, making us look inferior is an excellent tactic to beat us. 

To feel inferior is not something we can fully protect ourselves from. No amount of confidence or self-esteem can fully protect us, there is always going to be someone more intelligent, more financially stable, in better shape, younger, or in a higher hierarchy, and the people we need their help, or we want something from may try to use emotional manipulation to reject us.

This is just one aspect we, as human beings, struggle to develop. We all have issues. But for women, overcoming the battle against inferiority is constantly tested and similar to fear; if we let it, it can stop us and hold us from finding our potential. 

Below are 5 qualities that can help a woman overcome the occasional or ongoing inferiority complex.

1. Believe in yourself.

Only you know your capabilities, dreams, and what inspires your heart. And only by believing in yourself will you discover what you can make of your life. Trust that your talents and personality are part of the tools and weapons to pursue your happiness and achieve anything you want. It doesn't always happen overnight, inner work is work for a reason, but the more you hold onto believing in yourself, the more you will build the muscle of confidence that no one will be able to shred.

2. Adopt a mindset of equality. Defy superiority.

Equality is different from entitlement. People often feel superior because of their money or status, but being successful does not give them the right to try to belittle women. I see this, and even other women do it to other women, but often it comes from a place of insecurity and injuring the ego or an opportunity seized. But nothing is more extraordinary than seeing a woman, regardless of her age, not shrug her shoulders, speak up, stand up, and rebel against anything that wants to make her feel less than anything. It takes a particular personality, but it is an excellent asset for a woman not to let others get in her way and not be intimidated by anybody.

3. Be persistent.

This can be difficult for women. We try to knock on doors, but when they are not automatically opened to us, we don't insist because we want to avoid coming across as pushy, annoying, or aggressive. Women worry about this, and they prevent themselves from pursuing it. Often we get ignored for no reasons that have anything to do with us, but we get conscious, overthink how much we should persist, and many need to be more persuasive. Women who defy the odds must dismiss these fears and stop being conscious about what others will think. They are focused on the goal rather than on what others may think. After all, there is a phrase that says "Where is the interest?" If we quit on the first attempt simply because of rejection, how are we defending our goals? 

4. You can be extraordinary. 

Regardless of what you would like to have in your life or the path you choose, this is the possibility that you could be extraordinary! Whether it happens as a plan or as a result of long-term success but women have made history and changed things on this possibility. Unapologetically dare to explore how far they could go. Their race is not to prove others, nor are they obligated to remain at the same level as others. They don't need to ask permission to succeed or go farther. It is a personal mission and worth exploring in our lifetime.

5. Be bold and relate with those in higher positions. 

We hear about this often, learn from those that are smarter, spend time with those that are doing better, and don't spend time with people that can't help you change your situation. But this is not easy when we feel inferior or not at the level we wish we were. But it is not impossible to change this and expand and be part of new horizons with new people; we have to truly desire it, work on ourselves, compete and dare to make changes, and reach out to new people. You can reach more people if you continue to grow, transform, evolve, and focus on elevating your game. The right people will accept you, embrace your ambition and passion, and open doors for you. 

6. Remember the woman's essence.

Women have beautiful and unique qualities. Use them. You can be nice and still be assertive. We are often hard on ourselves, talk down, focus on what's wrong with us, and are the last ones to compliment ourselves, reducing our potential. If we spend more time owning our qualities, charm, radiance, and nurturing affection for others, this intimidates people. The more a woman is radiant, glowing, smiling, happy, and intelligent, the more it will provoke negative feelings in others that will immediately try to diminish her light and make women feel inferior. When we listen to this we give away our possibility to live happier and to be achievers. So rather than talking down to yourself, talk up and be very high to yourself, we should be our biggest cheerleaders. 

So I leave you with this, feeling inferior happens to all of us and happens daily. On a personal and professional level, and as long as you are proud of your being, are clear of your worthiness, and the impact you can create on others, it doesn't matter how great others may be. No matter how much they try. No one will ever be like you.

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Lizet Zayas
Passionate about art, beauty, simplicity, love and freedom.
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Becoming a woman, kinder, human-centric leader.