Inferiority complex, in simple terms, refers to a feeling of inappropriateness or inadequacy, which oftentimes yields less potential from the individual. Usually, the product of an individual with an inferiority complex is mediocrity or no achievement at all.
This implies that there is a measurement of ability as it relates to another individual or group of individuals. This measurement is narrowed down to comparison, where the individual weighs his colleagues or opponents and allots reasons why those other people will have higher chances than him.
Esther was a friend I met during my days in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and I knew she was industrious. There is a usual fear and worry about getting jobs in Nigeria after NYSC, as it is known that the market is saturated by job seekers where the supply exceeds the demand. I once met Esther in a well of tears in her room when we were almost rounding up the NYSC program, and after consoling her, I discovered the reason for her tears was the fear of entering the labor market without any strong connection.
It was an obvious truth that the labor market for job seekers was a rough ride and full of uncertainties. Even I, who was listening and consoling her, did not have a job waiting for me, but my profession had higher chances, so I was less perturbed. One major setback I realized about Esther was that she was already defeated in her mind before the battle began. The social media and physical evidence were exhausting, and unfortunately, she allowed herself to wallow in them. I made her realize she needed to wipe her tears, polish her skills, and have unbreakable courage to succeed in the labor market.
It is usually easy to give advice, but that was the least I could do. I could not tell her to give up! We parted ways after NYSC and kept in touch occasionally. I forwarded as many job interviews as I came across to her, especially those that related to her field.
"I have an interview this weekend at Oakfield, and I am skeptical." Esther blurted it out during one of our conversations. I could tell from her tone that her confidence was shaken.
"You don’t sound excited; what happened? How’s the preparation for the interview?" I asked her.
"I am not sure; the last interview I went for, I saw the caliber of others that came for the interview. Some of them had complementary cards, and a few of them brought exotic cars." And so she continued to lament.
After I listened to her attentively, I encouraged her to take the shot and go all out before the interviewers. Not going for the interview based on intimidation would give her a zero chance, while going all out despite the odds would give her a better chance. She felt more relieved after the conversation. She eventually told me one of the interviewers told her to lower her voice while she answered her questions, as she exuded much confidence, even when asked questions she was not certain of. Two weeks after the interview, I received her call, and she excitedly told me she was offered the position on merit. It was heartwarming to know she had loosened up and achieved such a great feat.
Esther’s case is one of many that could have been caged with limited potential or could break out and do exploits.
Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.
