People who never feel inferior live by these 8 empowering principles

There’s a stark contrast between people who constantly feel inferior and those who don’t. It’s all about mindset.
Feeling inferior is a trap; it’s like allowing yourself to be stuck in quicksand, with thoughts of self-doubt pulling you down.
But the people who never feel this way, they live by certain principles. Principles that empower them, lift them up, and give them the strength to stand tall, no matter what.
These individuals know that confidence comes from within and they harness this understanding to their advantage. Their secret? Eight empowering principles that they live by.
Let’s dive into these principles and see how we can apply them to our own lives.
1) Self-acceptance
Let’s start with the foundation of all empowering principles – self-acceptance.
People who never feel inferior have a deep, unwavering acceptance of who they are. They understand their strengths and weaknesses, their quirks and traits, and they embrace them.
This isn’t about arrogance or thinking they’re perfect – far from it. It’s about acknowledging their flaws and imperfections, and still choosing to love and accept themselves.
You see, these individuals recognize that everyone has flaws. But rather than seeing these as reasons to feel inferior, they see them as what makes them unique.
And guess what? This acceptance doesn’t just stop at themselves. They extend this acceptance to others too, realizing that we are all human, all flawed, all unique.
This principle of self-acceptance gives them immense confidence and resilience, helping them to avoid the trap of feeling inferior no matter what the situation is.
So if you want to join their ranks, start by accepting and loving yourself for who you truly are.
2) Focus on self-improvement
Another principle that people who never feel inferior live by is the constant pursuit of self-improvement. This isn’t about comparing themselves to others, but about being a better version of themselves each day.
Let me share a personal example.
A few years back, I found myself feeling stuck in a rut. I felt like I wasn’t progressing in my career or personal life. I was comparing myself to others, and it made me feel inferior.
Then I realized – the only person I should be comparing myself to is the person I was yesterday. This shift in perspective changed everything for me.
I started investing time and energy into learning new skills, expanding my knowledge, and setting personal goals. Suddenly, my focus shifted from what others were doing to what I was achieving.
By focusing on self-improvement, I was able to build my confidence and completely eliminate any feelings of inferiority.
This principle of self-improvement is a powerful tool in overcoming feelings of inferiority and building self-confidence. It keeps you moving forward and ensures you are always growing and evolving.
3) Practice gratitude
People who never feel inferior make it a habit to practice gratitude. They understand that focusing on what they have, rather than what they lack, naturally fosters a sense of contentment and self-worth.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction. It can shift our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to appreciating what’s right, thereby reducing feelings of envy, resentment, and inferiority.
This principle is not about ignoring the challenges or difficulties in life, but rather about acknowledging the good amidst the bad. It’s about appreciating the simple joys, the small victories, and the progress made.
By consciously practicing gratitude, these individuals cultivate a positive mindset that helps them maintain their self-esteem and ward off feelings of inferiority.
4) Embrace failure
People who never feel inferior view failure differently than most. Instead of seeing it as a negative reflection of their abilities, they see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
When they fail, they don’t let it shake their self-worth or trigger feelings of inferiority. Instead, they analyze what went wrong, learn from their mistakes, and use this knowledge to improve their future attempts.
They understand that everybody – yes, everybody – fails at some point. But it’s how you react to those failures that truly defines you.
By embracing failure rather than fearing it, these individuals ensure that their self-esteem remains intact regardless of the outcome. They know that failure is not a measure of their worth but a stepping stone on their path to success.
5) Be kind to yourself
Kindness towards oneself is another powerful principle that people who never feel inferior uphold. This goes beyond just accepting oneself, it’s about actively treating oneself with compassion and understanding.
Imagine a dear friend made a mistake. Would you berate and belittle them? Or would you offer understanding and encouragement? For most of us, it’s the latter. So why should we treat ourselves any differently?
People who never feel inferior know that we all make mistakes, we all have off days, and we all struggle at times. They extend the same kindness they would to a friend to themselves.
This heartfelt principle is all about offering ourselves grace in tough times, celebrating our achievements no matter how small, and always speaking to ourselves with kindness.
This nurturing approach helps maintain their self-esteem and keeps feelings of inferiority at bay. So remember, be as kind to yourself as you would be to others.
6) Set healthy boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is a principle that has become incredibly important in my life. It’s about knowing your limits, understanding your needs, and making sure they’re respected.
There was a time when I would say ‘yes’ to everything and everyone. I was constantly overworked, stressed, and underappreciated. It left me feeling inferior and undervalued.
Realizing that it’s not just okay, but necessary, to set boundaries was a game-changer for me. I started prioritizing my needs, my time, and my well-being. I learned to say ‘no’ when I needed to without feeling guilty.
People who never feel inferior understand the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. They know that it’s essential for their well-being and self-esteem.
By setting boundaries, they communicate their self-worth to others and to themselves, reinforcing their value and staving off feelings of inferiority.
7) Don’t seek validation from others
People who never feel inferior don’t depend on others for validation or approval. They understand that their worth is not determined by external opinions, but by their own self-perception.
These individuals don’t let praise inflate their ego, nor do they let criticism diminish their self-esteem. They appreciate feedback and compliments but they don’t rely on them to feel good about themselves.
They know that seeking validation from others is a slippery slope that can lead to feelings of inferiority when the validation isn’t given. Instead, they validate themselves. They acknowledge their achievements, they are proud of their progress, and they celebrate their successes – big and small.
By not seeking validation from others, these individuals maintain a stable sense of self-esteem that isn’t affected by the fluctuating opinions of those around them.
8) Believe in your worth
The most crucial principle that people who never feel inferior live by is believing in their own worth. They know they have value, they accept it, and they never let anyone or anything make them question it.
They don’t base their worth on their achievements, possessions, or social status. Their worth is inherent. It’s a part of who they are and it doesn’t change with circumstances.
This unwavering belief in their worth gives them the confidence to stand tall, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the strength to never feel inferior.
Believing in your own worth is the foundation of all the other principles. It’s what powers self-acceptance, fuels self-improvement, fosters gratitude, helps embrace failure, encourages self-kindness, allows for healthy boundaries, and eliminates the need for external validation.
Believe in your worth. It’s the key to never feeling inferior.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
The journey to never feeling inferior is deeply personal and unique to each individual. It’s a path of self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-love.
Living by these eight principles can guide you on this journey. They can help you build your self-esteem, boost your confidence, and fortify your belief in your worth.
However, it’s essential to remember that these principles are not a quick fix. They require consistent effort, introspection, and patience.
As the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of these principles.
By accepting ourselves, being kind to ourselves, focusing on self-improvement rather than comparison, practicing gratitude, embracing failure, setting boundaries, and not depending on others for validation, we solidify our belief in our worth.
As you reflect on these principles and begin to incorporate them into your life, remember that you are enough just as you are. Your worth is inherent and unchanging. And once you truly believe this, you will never feel inferior again.