How to Stop Feeling Like You're Inferior, Passive, or Weak

Last Updated: October 15, 2021

The feeling of weakness is something that we've all experienced at some point in our lives. Some have it harder than others, but regardless of the situation there are always things that can be done to feel better about yourself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:
Focus on your strengths.

1
Compliment your strengths and focus on them, chances are you're being very hard on yourself.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kateri Berasi, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:
Understand that you are not perfect.

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Let yourself be happy, don't put yourself through hell, you don't deserve it. Understand that you are human; you are not perfect. Anyone you think is perfect isn't. Anyone you know who says they're perfect isn't. Understand that perfection is an opinion, there is no absolute meaning.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:
Stand up for yourself.

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Don't let good things in life pass you by because you didn't speak up, and remember to think positive, don't focus on your mistakes. You have opinions and they are valuable. If people neglect to acknowledge the value of your opinions they are not worth your worry.

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:
Exercise.

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If you feel you lack physical strength then try working out, and if you're old enough then join a gym. Physical activity is a great self confidence booster and has tons of health benefits. Physical activity will reduce stress, allow you to sleep better, and help you feel energized and positive. Likewise, you will be developing a talent/skill that you can be proud of. Remember, physical activity ranges from archery to dodgeball to water polo. Try out all sorts of things to find what suits you best!

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:
Join extracurricular activities.

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Do extracurricular activities. Join a club, meet new people, and develop new interests. This will keep you from having enough time to be depressed about your inferiority complex. If you feel inferior because your not doing well in school, join a tutoring program and get a tutor to help you boost your marks and your self-esteem.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Kateri Berasi, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.}

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:
Open up to someone.

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Talk to someone that you can open up to, a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend,a parent, sibling, etc. Tell them why you feel so weak, maybe see what they have to say about your situation.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:
Spend time with friends.

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Hang out with the people who understand you! Have fun and be happy. Happiness and company will make you forget about your insecurities and you'll be more confident around the people that understand your situation.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:
Don't be afraid to talk to a counselor.

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Tell someone you care about that you are feeling down and inferior, and they will help you understand your feelings and look at life more optimistically.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I be confident?

Kateri Berasi, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kateri Berasi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, New York. With over ten years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Berasi specializes in working with adults from the LGBTQIA+ community and creative industries through individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, and costume therapy. She holds a BA in Psychology, Art History, and French Language and Literature from George Washington University and an MA and MEd in Mental Health Counseling from Columbia University. Dr. Berasi also holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University.

Kateri Berasi, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

Focus on making more active and positive choices in your life. If possible, talk to a close friend. They'll probably show you that you have more power and determination over your life than you think. Be kind to yourself as you would be to a friend.