Adler’s Individual Psychology: Understanding the Striving for Superiority

6 July 2025

Ever notice how some people are never quite satisfied with “just okay”? They always want to improve, push boundaries, be better. That deep inner push—it's not just ambition. It's actually something that Alfred Adler, one of the big names in psychology, called the "striving for superiority."

Now, don’t let that phrase fool you. Adler wasn’t talking about power-hungry tyrants or ego maniacs. Far from it. He believed that striving for superiority is a natural human drive, something all of us experience in one form or another. It's the psychological fuel that powers our growth, our dreams, and even our relationships.

Let’s dive into Adler’s theory of Individual Psychology and unpack this fascinating concept. Grab your coffee—this is going to be an eye-opening ride.

Who Was Alfred Adler?

Before we get into the juicy stuff, it's only fair we talk a bit about the man behind the theory. Alfred Adler, an Austrian physician and psychotherapist, was once part of Freud’s inner circle. Yep, THAT Freud. But as you might've guessed—they didn’t always see eye to eye.

While Freud focused on unconscious desires (you know, those pesky inner battles driven by sex and aggression), Adler had a more optimistic view of humanity. He wanted to understand how people could develop and heal holistically—not just what was broken.

In the early 1900s, Adler broke away and founded his own school of thought: Individual Psychology. The name might sound a bit… clinical, but trust me—it’s all about real-world stuff like self-esteem, motivation, and the search for meaning.

What Is Individual Psychology?

Alright, let’s break it down.

Individual Psychology isn’t about studying people in isolation. The term “individual” comes from the Latin _individuum_, meaning “undivided.” In other words, Adler saw people as whole, integrated beings—not just a collection of parts or symptoms.

His theory emphasizes five core principles:

1. Holism – We’re more than the sum of our parts.
2. Teleology – Behavior is goal-directed.
3. Social Interest – We’re wired to connect and contribute.
4. Inferiority Feeling and Compensation – We’re always trying to overcome perceived weaknesses.
5. Striving for Superiority – Our inner compass always points toward growth and mastery.

Today, we’re zooming in on that last one. Because, spoiler alert—it’s a game-changer.

What Does “Striving for Superiority” Mean?

Imagine you're climbing a mountain—not necessarily to beat anyone else to the top, but because you just want to see what you’re capable of. That’s the essence of striving for superiority.

Adler believed that all human behavior is rooted in our need to overcome feelings of inferiority. As kids, we’re tiny, dependent, and pretty clueless. That early sense of “not enough-ness” sticks with us, but instead of dragging us down, it fuels our desire to grow.

In Adler’s words, the striving for superiority is an innate drive—but not in a "look at me, I’m better than you" kind of way. It’s about becoming the best version of ourselves. The goal? Personal excellence, not dominance.

Inferiority: The Launchpad for Growth

Let’s face it—it sucks to feel inadequate. But according to Adler, those feelings of inferiority aren’t just normal—they're necessary.

Think about it: if you already felt perfect, what would motivate you to change or grow?

Here’s how it works in a nutshell:

- Inferiority feelings: These start early in life. They’re universal and inevitable.
- Compensation: You respond by developing skills or pursuing goals.
- Striving for superiority: You aim for self-improvement and mastery.

Some people handle this really well. They channel their insecurities into hard work, learning, and resilience. Others? Not so much. That’s where things can get tricky, leading to what Adler called inferiority complexes or even overcompensation (think: arrogance, aggression, or narcissism).

Superiority vs. Superiority Complex: Big Difference

Let’s clear up a common confusion.

Striving for superiority = Healthy, growth-oriented, life-affirming
Superiority complex = Insecure overcompensation, often masking deep inferiority

When someone constantly boasts, belittles others, or acts like they know it all—that’s not superiority; it's fear in disguise. Adler saw this as a cover-up for deep-seated self-doubt.

Real strength, in his view, is quiet. It’s the courage to keep improving, even when no one’s watching.

Social Interest: The Missing Link

Okay, here's where things get even more interesting.

According to Adler, true psychological health doesn’t just come from self-improvement—it also involves social interest. He used the term _Gemeinschaftsgefühl_, which literally means “community feeling.”

So yes, strive to be your best—but do it with others and for others.

Think about people you admire. Chances are, they’re not just successful but also kind, helpful, and connected. That’s social interest in action. Without it, the striving for superiority can turn toxic—more about self than service.

Early Childhood: The Birthplace of Our Striving

Here’s the thing—most of our inner motivations trace back to childhood. That’s why Adler believed in the power of early memories and family dynamics.

For example:

- Firstborns may strive for perfection and leadership.
- Middle children often compete or carve out unique identities.
- Youngest siblings can become charming or rebellious to stand out.
- Only children might over-identify with adults and seek achievement.

While birth order isn’t destiny, it shapes our initial sense of inferiority and how we respond to it.

The Role of Lifestyle

In Individual Psychology, “lifestyle” doesn’t mean yoga mats and green smoothies. It refers to your unique pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.

It’s your personal roadmap for how you navigate challenges, relationships, and ambitions. And yes, it grows out of your early attempts to overcome inferiority.

Some people develop constructive lifestyles, driven by cooperation and contribution. Others, not so much. Their lifestyles might become rigid or self-defeating, especially if they’re hung up on unrealistic standards or past wounds.

Therapy Through the Adlerian Lens

So, how does all this translate into real-life therapy?

In Adlerian therapy, the goal is to help people understand the why behind their behavior. It’s about uncovering those early patterns and re-writing unhelpful scripts.

A good therapist might ask:

- What are your earliest memories?
- What private logic are you using to make sense of the world?
- What goals are driving your actions—even unconsciously?

Through insight, encouragement, and sometimes humor, Adlerian therapy helps people reconnect with their inner strength and social purpose.

Real-Life Examples of Striving for Superiority

Let’s bring this down to earth with a few examples.

The Student Struggling with Grades

At first glance, they seem lazy or disinterested. But dig a little deeper, and you find a fear of failure rooted in past criticism. They're not striving for superiority because they’ve already decided they can’t succeed. Therapy might help reframe their beliefs and rekindle their motivation.

The Overachieving Executive

They’ve got the house, the car, the corner office—but inside, they feel like a fraud. Their striving is driven by fear, not fulfillment. With support, they can shift from proving their worth to embracing their growth.

The Stay-at-Home Parent

Maybe they feel overlooked or undervalued. Their striving might take the form of nurturing children, volunteering, or building community—all powerful paths to personal significance.

How Adler’s Ideas Shape Modern Psychology

If you’ve ever heard buzzwords like “growth mindset,” “resilience,” or “positive psychology,” guess what? You’re brushing against Adlerian soil.

His idea that we're future-oriented, socially embedded beings still influences:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Humanistic therapy
- Coaching and leadership models
- Educational psychology

Adler was ahead of his time. He saw the power of encouragement, the importance of belonging, and the beauty in our imperfections.

Final Thoughts: Strive On, My Friend

So, should you strive for superiority? Heck yes—but with heart.

This isn't about crushing the competition or chasing perfection. It’s about setting your own bar, knowing you’re always a work in progress, and embracing the beautiful mess of being human.

Adler reminds us that our insecurities don’t define us—but they can refine us. We all have a mountain to climb. The trick is to keep going, keep growing, and bring others along for the journey.