The Dark Side of Arrogance: Understanding the Roots of Superiority Complex

I remember a time in my life when I was consumed by feelings of superiority. I felt like I was better than others, and I used arrogance as a way to feel superior. At the time, I didn't understand that these feelings were rooted in insecurity. I thought that my arrogance made me special and that I was ahead of others in some way. I think it is a relict of the time in high-school. I was a late bloomer and had trouble finding my way as a man with other guys bullying me because I was too nice.

However, as time went on, I began to realize that my arrogance was holding me back. I was so focused on feeling superior that I wasn't taking action and moving forward in my life. I was stuck in a place of complacency, believing that I was already ahead of others. This created a cognitive dissonance within me, as I saw others around me moving forward and achieving great things while I was still stuck in the same place. My old belief of "I am better than you" crashed into the reality of the understanding that great things only come from doing great things. 

It was a difficult realization, but I came to understand that my feelings of superiority were a defense mechanism. I was using arrogance to mask my insecurities and lack of self-confidence. Once I recognized this, I began to work on addressing my insecurities and building my self-confidence. As all work that you're doing on yourself it's an ongoing process, but awareness is key and the rest is more of a "letting go", as your true self doesn't need to compete with anyone to feel safe.

I realized that I didn't have to feel superior to others in order to feel good about myself. I could take pride in my accomplishments and feel confident in my abilities without belittling or undermining others. This shift in my perspective allowed me to start taking action and moving forward in my life. I found that I was more productive, had better relationships, and was overall happier.

It's important to understand that feelings of superiority can often be rooted in insecurity. It's essential to be self-aware and recognize when our behavior is driven by a need to feel superior. This awareness can help us to work through our insecurities and build self-confidence, allowing us to lead a more fulfilling life.

It's a journey that takes time and effort, but the end result is worth it. By focusing on our own personal growth and development, we can let go of the need to feel superior and instead focus on creating meaningful connections and experiences. We can embrace our individuality and unique qualities, and recognize that everyone has something valuable to offer. This shift in mindset can lead to a more positive, fulfilling life where we are free to be our authentic selves and pursue our passions and interests.

Much love,

Jan

Before You Go...

If you're enjoying this newsletter, I would greatly appreciate your support. Please consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who may benefit from some motivation and inspiration. Thank you!

My mission

My mission is to empower people to discover their true selves by freeing them from the mental and social constraints that hold them back, and to assist them in becoming their best selves.

Products that I LOVE 

• Readwise: I love reading and enjoy using a variety of devices, such as my Kindle, physical books, phone, and computer. Previously, I used Evernote to store my notes from books, but it was time-consuming to maintain and not very effective for reviewing the material. Readwise is a helpful tool that connects to my Kindle and automatically saves all of my highlights. Additionally, I can use a web clipper to save information from the internet. I receive regular emails with randomly selected highlights, which serve as helpful reminders of the key points from my reading. This helps me retain more knowledge and not quickly forget most of what I've read. Overall, Readwise has been a great resource for deepening my understanding of the material.

• Vitamin D3K2: There are many factors that can contribute to vitamin D deficiency, particularly in the winter. I personally experienced a deficiency that was so severe that it took months of taking 12,000 IU of vitamin D to reach the lower end of the recommended range. It is important to note that if you are taking vitamin D, you should also take vitamin K2 to ensure that your body can absorb the vitamin D. I am a strong advocate for supplements, as I have learned through extensive testing and research that most people do not get adequate nutrition from their daily diet alone. In my opinion, vitamin D is a crucial supplement that everyone should consider taking, regardless of their lifestyle. It is relatively inexpensive to test your vitamin D levels and the supplement itself is also affordable. In my experience, clients who felt sluggish and began taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily reported feeling better within two weeks. However, please keep in mind that this is not medical advice and it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Disclaimer: The links provided for the products mentioned in this list are referral or affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you choose to purchase the product. Thank you for your support.

FREE e-book

The Anxiety Playbook is an article that provides a comprehensive overview of anxiety and its effects. It explains the different types of anxiety and outlines the physical, psychological, and social impacts that it can have. Strategies for reducing anxiety are provided, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, the article explains how to get help for anxiety and provides tips for managing it. Finally, the importance of self-care, creating a supportive network, and staying connected to one’s emotions is emphasized to help readers cope with anxiety. Through this article, readers will gain a better understanding of anxiety and how to effectively manage it.

Dive Deeper with a Coaching

On my journey through the dark night of the soul I had many great teachers and mentors on my side. I spent thousands of Euros (and still do) on coachings and every cent was worth it. I don't think I would have been able to turn my life around so quickly without the help of these amazing people. The value you are receiving from working on removing emotional blocks, limiting beliefs and toxic thinking, can't be measured in money. 

Most people only need 6 sessions in 3 months to generate dramatic outcomes in their lives. It's not like I teach them new things or have a bullet proof process. Quite the opposite is true. I believe that structure and process can help, but in most cases you're limiting life and all of its wonderful ways to create miracles for you. I am working on an intuitive level and combine all of my experience and knowledge from freeing myself. 

What my clients are saying about working with me

Clara, Startup Founder: "Through his own very real ordeal and great listening skills I felt understood and that he was able to level with me in a way that felt authentic and unlike other help I’d previously sought in this area. I was inspired to pursue my own happiness (not overnight) and today can say, nearly two years on, living in a different country with a life full of love and running my own company - doing something I love - I’m really glad we met."

Felix, Startup Founder: "Jan is an extraordinary human being and an outstanding coach. Through our coaching, he helps me tremendously with personal growth and always has practical guidance at his hand."

Zahid, Startup Founder: "Jan is an incredible listener. Through several conversations with him, I have gotten a huge amount of clarity about where I’m looking to go with my business, and how I can overcome personal and professional challenges."