How to Stop Thinking “People Are Better Than Me”
Many of us have experienced feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when comparing ourselves to others. In today’s world of social media and constant connection, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone else has it all together, while we are left behind.
However, the truth is that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and it’s not productive or healthy to constantly compare ourselves to others. In this article, we will explore practical strategies for how to stop feeling like people are better than you, so that you can improve your self-esteem and focus on your own growth and success.
Why Do I Feel People Are Better Than Me?
There could be many different reasons why you might feel that people are better than you. Perhaps you have been surrounded by high achievers throughout your life, and you feel like you can’t measure up to their level of success.
If you have a habit of putting yourself down and focusing on your flaws and weaknesses, you may be more likely to see others as better than you. Negative self-talk can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, creating a cycle of self-doubt and low self-esteem that is hard to break.
You may set unrealistic expectations for yourself and constantly compare your success to others who are further along in their journey. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration, making it difficult to recognize your own progress and accomplishments.
You could also possess a lack of self-awareness. When someone doesn’t have a clear understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, it can be easy to assume that others are always better. Without a solid sense of self, it’s challenging to appreciate what makes you unique and valuable.
Maybe you have received negative feedback or criticism from others, and you have internalized those comments as proof that you are inferior. Relying on external validation from others can make it difficult to maintain a healthy sense of personal worth.
Alternatively, you may struggle with self-doubt and a lack of confidence, causing you to constantly compare yourself to others and find yourself coming up short.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize that feeling like people are better than you is a common experience, and it doesn’t necessarily reflect the reality of your own abilities and potential.
By taking steps to boost your self-esteem and shift your mindset, you can begin to overcome these feelings and cultivate a more positive and empowering outlook.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
8 Tips to Overcome Feelings of Inadequacy
It’s too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that other people are better than you when you see your colleagues, friends, and family members succeeding in various aspects of life. You can’t help but compare yourself to them. However, this way of thinking can be detrimental to your mental health and self-esteem if it becomes a habit.
Women are particularly susceptible to social comparison and thoughts such as: I feel like everyone is better than me, or my friends are better than me, or people are better than me. These feelings can be quite prominent among middle-aged women who are facing life changes and new insecurities. Thus, we need to work harder to overcome these negative and inaccurate thoughts.
Whether you are feeling inadequate in terms of career success, physical appearance, the aging process, personal accomplishments, or something else, you can use these 8 tips to help overcome the negative feeling that people are better than me.
1. Recognize your Strengths and Achievements
One of the best ways to overcome feelings of inferiority is to focus on your strengths and achievements. Take some time to reflect on what you’re good at and what you’ve accomplished. This could be anything from a promotion at work to a personal goal that you achieved.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small they may be. By acknowledging your own accomplishments, you can start to build a stronger sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. When we constantly compare ourselves to others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that other people are better than us.
To stop comparing yourself to others, it can be helpful to recognize and appreciate your own unique strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Instead of focusing on what others have that you don’t, try to shift your perspective to focus on your own personal growth and progress.
Additionally, try to avoid social media or other sources of comparison that can exacerbate these feelings. Remember, everyone has their own path and journey in life, and it’s important to celebrate and embrace your own unique qualities and experiences.
3. Practice Self-Care Regularly
Taking care of yourself is essential for building a strong sense of self-worth. Self-care can take many forms, but it typically involves engaging in activities that promote your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and setting aside time for relaxation and fun.
It’s important to schedule time each day to care for both your physical and mental health. Plus, don’t forget about your emotional self care and wellness. When you feel good, it’s easier to recognize your own strengths and abilities and keep things in proper perspective. Remember that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, and it’s important to prioritize it in your daily life.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our self-esteem. If you’re constantly around people who put you down or make you feel inferior, it’s going to be hard to overcome the feeling that people are better than you. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who lift you up and encourage you to be your best self.
Be honest with the people in your life. By being honest about the way you are feeling, you will likely discover that others are feeling this way too. You can all encourage and reassure each other.
You are you, I am I.” ~ Osho, Indian Spiritual Teacher
5. Set Realistic Expectations
Setting unrealistic expectations for yourself can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Instead, set realistic goals that you can work toward. When you achieve those goals, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and be more motivated to keep going toward long-term goals. Keep these things in mind:
- Focus on progress, not perfection;
- Be realistic about your time and resources;
- Consider your past successes and failures;
- Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps.
Focus on making progress towards your goals, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures, and you’ll be well on your way to feeling more confident and self-assured.
6. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
We all have a little voice in our head that can be critical and negative. When that voice starts telling you that you’re not good enough, challenge it. Ask yourself if those thoughts are based in reality, or if they’re just a reflection of your own self-doubt. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and remind yourself of your own worth and value.
To challenge negative self-talk, start by becoming aware of your inner dialogue and identifying negative thoughts as they arise. Once you’ve identified negative self-talk, try to reframe those thoughts into more positive and constructive statements. Also, practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a true friend.
7. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a great way to shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have. Take some time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you’re grateful for. It could be anything from a supportive friend to a roof over your head. You should always be thankful for sunshine and smiles:)
By focusing on the good in your life, you can start to feel more positive and optimistic about your own abilities and potential.
8. Try a Change of Scenery
Changing your scenery can be a powerful way to break free from negative patterns of thinking and feelings of inferiority. A change of scenery can help you see things in a new light and gain fresh insights. It can help you break free from negative patterns of thinking and gain a new sense of clarity and perspective.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, a change of scenery can help you disconnect from the source of your stress. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, or even a walk in the park, taking a break from your daily routine and responsibilities can help you recharge and start feeling refreshed and energized with a new perspective.
Final Thoughts: Other People Are Better Than Me
Remember, feeling like people are better than you is a common experience, but it’s not a reflection of your true worth or potential. By focusing on your strengths, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with positive people, and using the other strategies outlined above, you can build a stronger sense of self-worth and overcome those feelings of inferiority.
Be aware that challenging negative self-talk and changing your mindset is an ongoing process. It takes time and practice so don’t become frustrated with yourself.
Remember, everyone has their own unique path in life, and it’s up to you to embrace your own journey and be proud of who you are. Make the decision to change your mindset and take steps to stop those false thoughts that other people are better than me!
You might enjoy these articles related to self confidence and self love:
- How to Carry Yourself with Confidence: 21 Essential Tips
- 101 Positive Affirmations for Confidence and Courage
- 121 Sassy Self Confidence Quotes & Instagram Captions
- How to Make the Self Love Movement Work for You
Love to ALL! ~ Susan
