logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
21m 34s

Why You Feel Inferior (And How To Stop)

Dr. Aziz: Social Anxiety And Confidence Expert, Author and Coach
About this episode

In today's episode, Dr. Aziz delves into a topic that many of us struggle with: feelings of inferiority. Have you ever felt less than others, whether in terms of intelligence, appearance, confidence, or any other area? These feelings are more than just thoughts; they come with a heavy emotional weight that can make you feel unworthy, unlovable, and disconnected.

Dr. Aziz explores the roots of these feelings and, more importantly, provides actionable strategies to overcome them. Through a deep dive into the sources of these beliefs, you'll learn how to stop comparing yourself to others and start embracing your unique strengths.

He offers practical advice on how to shift your mindset and build your self-esteem, helping you break free from the paralyzing grip of inferiority and step into your life with confidence.

Tune in to discover how you can start believing in your own worth today. And if you find this episode valuable, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, helping others discover the show and support their journey to confidence.

 

------------------------------------------------

How to Overcome Feelings of Inferiority and Reclaim Your Confidence

Have you ever felt less than others? Maybe it’s not something you say out loud, but deep down, there’s a sense of inadequacy, shame, or unworthiness that just won’t go away. These feelings of inferiority can be incredibly painful, leaving you feeling stuck, isolated, and unsure of yourself. But what if I told you that overcoming these feelings is not only possible but within your reach? In this blog post, we’ll explore where these feelings come from, how they persist, and most importantly, what you can do to break free and start feeling more confident today.

Understanding the Roots of Inferiority

You might have spent years trying to understand why you feel inferior. Maybe you’ve done therapy, reflecting on your childhood experiences—whether it was a critical parent, bullying, or feeling like an outcast. These insights can be valuable, but they often leave you with a lingering question: Now what? You have a narrative, but knowing where these feelings come from doesn’t always make them go away.

Stand-Out Quote

"It's not about where your feelings of inferiority come from; it's about what you're doing to yourself right now that keeps them alive."

The Internal Critic and Comparison

At the heart of inferiority is a critical voice that compares you to others or an idealized version of yourself. This comparison might be about intelligence, confidence, appearance, or wealth. The list is endless, but the impact is the same: it triggers feelings of shame, unworthiness, and unlovability. But here’s the thing—this comparison isn’t something happening to you; it’s something you’re doing to yourself.

Key Point: Identify Your Triggers

Take a moment to identify the top three areas where you feel most inferior. Is it your intelligence? Your appearance? Your social skills? Understanding what triggers these feelings is the first step toward dismantling them.

Breaking the Cycle: Stop Believing the Lies

One of the most powerful steps you can take is to challenge the beliefs that fuel your inferiority. Why do you believe that you need to be smarter, more confident, or more attractive to be loved and accepted? Who told you that? Often, these beliefs are inherited from others—parents, peers, society—but they no longer serve you.

 "Your feelings of inferiority are not truths; they're protective shields keeping you from stepping fully into your life."

The Path to Freedom: Taking Bold Action

To truly overcome feelings of inferiority, you must act in defiance of the stories that hold you back. Make a list of the things you would do if you knew you were awesome—if you were confident, attractive, intelligent, and worthy. This list is your roadmap to freedom.

Action Step: Create Your List

Ask yourself: If I knew I was awesome, what would I do? Write down five to ten things. These might be goals you’ve been avoiding, risks you haven’t taken, or opportunities you’ve let pass by. Start small if you need to, but start taking steps toward those goals.

Embrace Your Awesomeness

Remember, the feelings of inferiority you’re struggling with are not permanent. They are learned behaviors that can be unlearned through action, awareness, and self-compassion. As you begin to take steps toward the life you want, you’ll find that those feelings lose their power over you. You are capable, worthy, and deserving of everything you desire.

"You have the power to rewrite your story. Take the first step today, and watch how your life transforms."

For more tools and guidance on building confidence and overcoming social anxiety, check out my programs at The Confidence University. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are and know on a deep level that you're awesome.

Up next
Nov 18
Healing The Cause Of Social Anxiety & People Pleasing
<p>In this vulnerable and revealing episode of <em>Shrink for the Shy Guy</em>, Dr. Aziz returns from a life-changing couples workshop with a fresh insight into what <em>really</em> causes social anxiety and people-pleasing and how to heal it from the inside out.</p> <p>Most peop ... Show More
25m 41s
Nov 4
How To Keep Going When You're Discouraged
In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz offers powerful insight into what to do when you feel like giving up. Whether you're trying to build confidence, face your fears, or push through challenges, there are times when progress feels slow and resistance feels overwhel ... Show More
21 m
Oct 28
Boost Confidence And Kill Anxiety At The Same Time
In this episode of Shrink for the Shy Guy, Dr. Aziz reveals the secret to boosting confidence while dissolving anxiety and it’s not another breathing exercise or mindset hack. It’s a deeper shift in how you see yourself and how you approach life. Most people try to overcome fear ... Show More
22m 4s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 23
Confidence: How to Build It, Be It, and Own It with Roxie Nafousi
Do you wish you could walk into any room as your true self?Are you tired of letting self-doubt and other people’s opinions hold you back?Could changing your inner voice change your entire life?What’s the difference between being confident and needing to be the best? In this episo ... Show More
54m 26s
Nov 2024
How to overcome self-doubt and "Who am I to do this"
<p class="p1"><strong>"Who am I to do this?" is one of the most common forms of self-doubt we hear, often translated into: Who am I to do this?</strong></p> <p class="p3">In today's episode we're going to get into the detail of this self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and look at v ... Show More
32m 18s
Sep 24
The Fear of Not Being Enough: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Lasting Confidence
So many of us struggle with the fear of not being enough—not smart enough, successful enough, attractive enough, or worthy enough. In this episode of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Podcast, we dive deep into how this fear shows up, why it holds us back, and most important ... Show More
4m 23s
Sep 4
Think You're Not Good Enough? How to Finally Respect Yourself
Are you stuck in self-doubt, always worrying you're not good enough? You're not alone. Low self-respect is one of the hidden drivers of social anxiety. In this episode... EFT Master Andy Bryce explains how painful past experiences shape your self-image and what it really takes to ... Show More
1h 5m
Feb 2025
How to Manifest Your Dream Partner this Year (Desperation is BLOCKING You)
What qualities do you truly want in a partner? Do you believe in manifestation when it comes to love? Today, Jay explores how you can break free from insecurity and build lasting confidence using science-backed techniques and practical mindset shifts. Jay opens the episode by add ... Show More
29m 21s
Mar 2025
Why Affirmations Don't Work
<p>Strengthen your mind and body for less than the price of a weekly coffee! 💪🧠 Start training your mental resilience and confidence today with this powerful app:</p><p>⁠<a href="http://getmental.com/confidencemindset">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://getmental.com/confidencemindset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a ... Show More
6m 44s
Oct 17
6 Deep and Lasting Ways to Improve Your Self-Esteem
<p>Boost self-esteem with 6 practices to transform self-talk, build self-worth, and align your life with purpose, integrity, and authentic confidence. 👉 Download my free Values Clarification exercise here: <a href='https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/opt-in-2123fb37-7322-4208 ... Show More
15m 33s
Apr 2025
MASTER CONFIDENCE - How to Build Real Confidence, Self-Worth & Self-Esteem | Mafe's Sessions #9
<p><span>Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. </span></p><p><span>In this episode we break down the truth about confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough, doubted your value, or struggled with insecurit ... Show More
14m 30s
Feb 2025
7 Ways to Train Your Brain to Go From Insecurity to Confidence
How do you react when you feel insecure? What past experience boosted your confidence? Today, Jay explores how you can break free from insecurity and build lasting confidence using science-backed techniques and practical mindset shifts. Jay opens the episode by addressing the inv ... Show More
30m 11s
Apr 2025
How to Boost Your Confidence & Beat Insecurity
<p>Insecurity doesn’t have to dictate your life. In this episode, we dive into five practical ways to boost your confidence and beat insecurities. From shutting down negative thoughts to following through on goals you’ve been putting off, we’ll cover:</p><ol><li><b>Knowing Your V ... Show More
28m 20s