Striving For Superiority

Alfred Adler, the Austrian psychiatrist and founder of Individual Psychology, proposed several influential ideas about human behaviour and motivation. Central to his philosophy is the belief that everyone is born with a feeling of inferiority and is driven to overcome this feeling by striving for superiority.

The Inferiority Complex: A Drive for Superiority

Adler believed that the feeling of inferiority is an inherent part of being human. He posited that everyone experiences some level of inferiority, which prompts them to strive for excellence and recognition. This striving is not inherently negative; it can motivate individuals to achieve their goals and improve themselves. However, when this feeling becomes overwhelming, it can lead to what Adler termed an inferiority complex.

An inferiority complex manifests as a pervasive lack of self-esteem, where individuals become unable to confront and rectify their feelings of inadequacy. According to Adler, those affected by this complex are constantly seeking situations where they can excel. This drive to prove themselves often results from their deep-seated feelings of inferiority, leading them to overcompensate in various aspects of life.

For example, a person who feels inferior in social situations might strive to become the centre of attention or excel in their career to gain recognition and validation. This behaviour is an attempt to counteract the negative self-image fostered by their feelings of inferiority. Ultimately, the hallmark of an inferiority complex is the relentless pursuit of excellence as a means of overcoming the emotional pain associated with feeling less than others.

The Life Lie: Avoiding Responsibility

Adler also introduced the concept of the life lie, which describes the excuses individuals make to avoid addressing significant life tasks in areas such as friendship, work, and love. This avoidance often stems from a desire to shift responsibility away from oneself. When individuals fail to find fulfilling work or develop meaningful relationships, they might attribute their circumstances to external factors, such as their upbringing or past experiences. By blaming others, they evade the need to confront their role in their situation.

Adler emphasised that no experience in itself determines success or failure. Instead, he argued that individuals assign meaning to their experiences, which influences their emotional responses and actions. He stated, “We do not suffer from the shock of our experiences — the so-called trauma — but instead we make out of them whatever suits our purposes.” This perspective underscores the idea that the power to change lies within each person, regardless of their past circumstances.

Crucially, Adler believed that individuals should not allow their past to dictate their future. He asserted, “No matter what has occurred in your life up to this point, it should have no bearing at all on how you live from now on.” This philosophy does not imply ignoring pain or hardship but rather recognising that individuals have the autonomy to shape their lives moving forward.

Individual Psychology: Mastering Your Destiny

Adler’s approach to psychology, termed Individual Psychology, emphasises the unique experiences of the individual rather than viewing human behaviour as a mere response to unconscious forces. He believed that what drives humans is the desire to overcome feelings of inferiority through a striving for power and superiority. Importantly, Adler maintained that individuals are always moving toward goals, even if those goals are not immediately visible. This concept, known as fictional finalism, posits that individuals create fictitious goals that guide their behaviour and reflect their unique lifestyles.

The beauty of Adler’s theory lies in its emphasis on personal agency. He believed that individuals are the “masters of their own destiny,” capable of interpreting their circumstances creatively. Instead of being at the mercy of external factors, individuals have the freedom to choose their paths and redefine their goals. This view empowers people to take charge of their lives, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and self-determination.