In the previous article (this article), I introduced a new concept named ‘the six subconscious layers.’ (I renamed it.) It allows us to understand how we reconcile social values with our own. Today, I will explain two tips to solve an inferiority complex with that concept.
How to reduce the stress in our lives
Sometimes, we want to reduce the stress in our lives. Many things, such as mentally hard jobs, disgusting human relationships, feeling others’ negative emotions, or a lack of freedom, exhaust us.
If we have a unique personality, like empathy and creativity, we have to use those qualities well, or our lives will be stressful.
That nature makes us wish for our own way of life. We want to use our talents in our ways.
Suffering from an inferiority complex
However, we often cannot do it due to an inferiority complex. An inferiority complex is a confusion about values. It makes us unable to distinguish between social values and our own.
For example, if our surroundings value competition and winning, that makes us feel like doing so, too. We don’t want them to look down on us.
Perhaps we already know we are inferior to them in that area in the depths of our hearts. However, when others tell us of our inferiority while we don’t know where to contribute, we will feel our existence is denied. That makes us ignore our natural preferences and follow others’ values. That drives us and exhausts us.
In such a case, reclaiming our values allows us to head in the direction that suits us. That will solve the inferiority complex. That is why we want to distinguish between social values and our own.
The concept of the six subconscious layers I introduced in the previous article might help us solve an inferiority complex. Today, I will introduce two tips based on that concept.
The six subconscious layers
Let’s give an overview of the six subconscious layers. It is a 6-step decision-making process for reconciling social values with our own.
When we have to decide on something, we consider it in the following order:
- (consciousness side) [1st layer] Social judgment: We determine whether society values it and whether we can afford to do it. For example, if our boss orders us to work overtime, we consider whether society values it and whether we can afford to do it mentally, physically, and materially. (If we can fill them all, we decide to do it. However, if we cannot do even one, we get depressed and go down to the lower layer.)
- [2nd layer] Compensatory judgment to the outside: We determine whether we can reduce stress through compensatory behavior and whether we can afford to do it. For example, we think about what diversion we can do afterward, such as shopping or having a gorgeous dinner, and whether we have the time or money to do it.
- [3rd layer] Compensatory judgment inward: We determine whether we can reduce the stress by convincing ourselves to be patient and whether we can afford to do it. For example, we persuade ourselves that we are happier than unfortunate people who don’t even have opportunities.
- [4th layer] Negative self-judgment: We determine whether we can handle the stress by stopping disgusting things based on our values and whether we can afford to do them. For example, we think about what the most useless activity is and try to stop it.
- [5th layer] Positive self-judgment: We determine whether we can handle the stress by starting what we want based on our values and whether we can afford to do it. For example, we think about what we want to do before we die.
- (subconsciousness side) [6th layer] Repressed judgment: Modify our implicit inner rules to reduce stress. For example, we let go of our inner rules acquired in childhood, such as ‘Don’t be selfish’ or ‘Have to be patient.’
The more we feel our limitations and become depressed honestly, the more we become aware of our deep consciousness. That tells us our values and allows us to modify our behaviors.
In other words, forcing our minds to be positive keeps us stressed, unaware of our values, and stagnant.
That is why crying and shedding tears often brings us the next breakthrough. Negativity is also necessary for us.
Two tips to solve an inferiority complex
That tells us two tips to solve an inferiority complex.
- Being too empathic prevents us from finding our values. It keeps us above 3rd layer.
- Just knowing our values doesn’t solve the inferiority complex. We need to step into the 6th layer, the deepest subconscious of our minds, to change our direction in life.
Let me explain them below.
Being too empathic prevents us from reclaiming our values
First, too strong empathy prevents us from reclaiming our values. Empathy is something that is used in 1–3 layers. It is a social feature. It was originally a feature to help weak people. In other words, empathy is a superficial consciousness. We have to stop using empathy to remember our values.
People who cannot access their values tend to be too empathic in the 3rd layer. For example, we might convince ourselves as follows:
- “There are people who are unlucky and suffer more than I do, such as children in war zones or poor areas.”
- “Overcoming difficulties and being more patient have benefits in the long term.”
- “Hardship will make my future better.”
Although they give us patience thanks to the work of empathy, they are irrational and pointless if we look at them logically. The misfortunes of others have nothing to do with our pursuit of happiness. We don’t have to be patient if we want to change our lives. Overcoming hardships caused by a misdirected life will not change our futures.
If we consider it logically, we can find their pointlessness easily. In other words, we are lying to ourselves. Too strong empathy makes us do so.
If we are empathic and creative people, using less empathy and more logic will allow us to go into deeper layers, below the 3rd layer.
Just noticing our values doesn’t solve the inferiority complex
Second, just noticing our values doesn’t solve the inferiority complex. We need to step into the 6th layer, the deepest subconscious of our minds.
When we find it hard to live our lives, learning at an early age usually rules us. We might not have survived if we didn’t follow our parents’ values. We had to follow it without doubting. That made us create inner ‘unbreakable’ rules.
However, after we grow up and gain the ability to be independent, those rules are no longer necessary.
That tells us that remembering our values doesn’t mean we can understand all of our subconscious reactions. In such a situation, we need to be more depressed. That leads us to deeper subconsciousness.
In other words, finding our values will not solve an inferiority complex. Noticing the repressed rules in the 6th layer will resolve it.
Conclusion
They are the two tips to solve an inferiority complex.
The concept of the six subconscious layers shows us how our minds work.
That might allow us to distinguish between social values and our own.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
