How do I stop my narcissism?

Question

I have noticed that over the last year, I have become somewhat narcissistic. I am 15 years old and I always think I'm smarter than everybody. This affects my ability in school because I dislike the idea of being taught; especially when I think the teacher isn't smart, therefore hurting my grades because I think the material is too easy. I have pushed away all of my friends and being lonely has only contributed to my narcissism and feeling of self-importance. I am also really shy and insecure, and always feel like I am being watched. Is there anything I can do to stop this? I realize I have a problem but don't seem to be able to do anything about it.

Answer 1

An easy way would be to publicly make mistakes. Purposefully give wrong answers, so you'll look normal. After a while, people will accept you.

Answer 2

your ego is overcompensating for your lack of self esteem. learn to find satisfaction in achieiving your goals in a humble and perhaps quiet way instead of feeling the need to compare/ tell others, about how amazing you are. its fine to be proud of your achievements, but a real achiever and someone who will be able to ''co-operate'' in the REAL world needs to know his faults and realize that he can learn from others no matter how clever he thinks he is. its brilliant that you know your self worth in an intellectual way at such a young age but this can be deadly if it makes you believe you are somewhat ''superhuman'' because you arent, if anything you are a teen who is or believes he is more clued in than others and you will come to learn in life that there is so much more you learn as you grow.

Answer 3

I don't think narcissism is something that you can quit cold turkey. It's mental, and that's one of the hardest things to stop.

I know someone in my own grade (I'm an incoming sophomore and I'm the same age as you) who has a similar agenda. Whenever someone says something that he strongly disagrees with, he feels the need to verbally attack them and prove them wrong because he's always right. He also corrected the teacher and tried to disprove the teacher's theories whenever he got something wrong on a test or quiz because "he's smarter than everybody else".

Make a list of priorities. Is keeping your extreme self-importance and flaunting it at the top of your list or is being a smart individual who is modest at the top of your list? You can keep thinking that you're better than everybody else, but you should minimize it. I know that sounds easy and stupid... it is. The only way to keep your friends and stop your narcissism is to stop publicly showing it. I have a feeling that you're much like that boy I know who likes disproving his friends and feeling superior. Instead of trying to outdo someone, agree with them. Even if you know that they're wrong. You're still young; you just need to live your life. Everyone has their own faults. Even you! You should definitely learn to give people more credit than you give them, because it may even help you one day.

I think everyone has feelings of narcissism. Others just keep it suppressed. I know that I feel like I'm smarter than other people sometimes, but I just ignore that feeling and let life go on and keep my friends close. Intelligence is great to have, but having friends to back you up. Also remember that even the smartest of people need to be taught, and teachers are the ones who will eventually give you recommendations for college, programs, etc... I think you should keep in mind that even if you think your teacher is below you, they still have the power.

I think the best way for you to get proper help is if you seek out a professional. School will be starting soon and that means you'll get access to your school counselors who can help you. But, if your counselors are anything like the incompetent counselors at my mediocre school, than you may just want to keep a journal. That's what I do for my suppressed feelings that are hard to explain, and it really helps when there's no one to talk to. Write a few entries and when you reach a certain date (maybe six months from now or maybe just in a few weeks), go back and read everything you wrote and try to fix every narcissistic thing you wrote.

Oh my goodness I was rambling. Sorry :) Good luck with stopping your narcissism!

Answer 4

I'm not a some super smart psychologist, but I think you should look at some of your bad traits, habits, characteristics, and etc. And give people more credit for their attributes.

I am also very shy, insecure. and have that feeling of being watched. The only thing that can stop this, is yourself. Why don't you join of few clubs you would like, because most likely the members of the club share the same interests as you. You will feel less shy and insecure around a group of people you feel comfortable around.

The paranoia part, is kinda hard to answer, see a super smart

psychologist.