Ramblings of a searching entre

Ramblings of a searching entrepreneur – Do you have an inferiority complex?

When I began my journey of reflection, I discovered not all of it would be encouraging.

Ramblings of a searching entre

“He was a simple man who had no inferiority complex about his lack of education, and even more amazing no superiority complex because he had succeeded despite that lack.”
Maya Angelou

I recently mentioned to my mother that I had been contributing a regular piece to a local publication. Fascinated, she asked what it was about. After I explained it was a space for me to reflect, consider and simply put down my thoughts she wanted to know more about the topics. I boldly, and slightly luringly, rattled off some of the subject matter, specifically the ones that related to my view on her parenting; not being read to as a child, being forced to take Ritalin, etc. Very calmly, without remorse or consideration for her responsibility in my upbringing, she responded by saying, “I think you have an inferiority complex”.

Slightly shocked, I retreated to the sanctuary that is my office to read up on what exactly this inferiority complex was. I read several definitions and, for clarity’s sake, here is one of the more succinct versions:

The OED defines “inferiority complex” as
“An unrealistic feeling of general inadequacy caused by actual or supposed inferiority in one sphere, sometimes marked by aggressive behaviour in compensation”

Let’s start with the easy part: I am certainly not “sometimes marked by aggressive behaviour”. No bar fights, cheeky punches or bullying round the back of the bike shed marked my childhood. Hopefully it’s safe to say that element doesn’t apply.

What about this “unrealistic feeling of general inadequacy caused by actual or supposed inferiority in one sphere”. I’m no psychologist nor guru in this sphere of ‘stuff’, but aren’t we all slightly inadequate in certain areas?

I’ve been in a men’s shower at the gym, so I’ve seen some less adequate than me, but I’ve also certainly seen some that are more adequate. The same applies to all aspects of life. I’m not sure anyone drives down the road and doesn’t admire the materials of others, or goes to the school quiz and doesn’t admire the smart ass getting all the answers right, or the fella that wins the father race, or the musician strumming his guitar and singing to 10 000 people on the stage at Glastonbury. I thought that was normal.

Am I one of the select few with this inferiority complex?