Many people say that the bumblebee greatly overestimates her ability to fly because her body is much too large for the flimsy set of wings nature gave her. But she thinks she can fly and expects to fly, and she flies very well.
“One of the greatest mistakes you can make is to underestimate yourself,” said my friend Nido Qubein, president of High Point University in North Carolina. “It is far worse to underestimate than it is to overestimate.”
He added, “The reason is quite simple: You act in harmony with the way you see yourself.”
Overestimating yourself, while it may lead to occasional setbacks or failures, often encourages you to take bold actions and pursue ambitious goals. Even if you don’t always succeed, the experience gained and lessons learned from these endeavors can be invaluable. Overestimating yourself can foster a growth mindset, where you view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
On the other hand, underestimating yourself can be a greater mistake than overestimating yourself because it limits your potential and opportunities for growth. When you underestimate your abilities, you may avoid taking risks, miss out on valuable experiences and fail to realize your full potential. This mindset can lead to a lack of confidence and a fear of failure, which can hinder your personal and professional development.
“Don’t underestimate yourself,” said motivational speaker Les Brown. “You are capable of more than you can ever imagine.”
People often underestimate themselves in various ways, which can limit their potential and opportunities for growth. Here are some common ways individuals tend to underestimate themselves:
Doubting their abilities. Many people question their skills and competencies, believing they are not capable of achieving certain tasks or goals. This self-doubt can prevent them from pursuing new opportunities or taking on challenging projects.
Fear of failure. The fear of making mistakes or failing can be paralyzing. People may avoid trying new things or stepping out of their comfort zones because they are afraid of the potential negative outcomes.
Comparing themselves to others. Constantly comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy. People may believe they are not as talented, intelligent or successful as their peers, which can diminish their self-worth.
Underestimating their experience. Individuals often overlook the value of their experiences and the lessons they have learned. They may think their background is not impressive enough to qualify them for certain roles or opportunities.
Ignoring small achievements. People tend to focus on their failures or shortcomings while ignoring their small victories and accomplishments. Recognizing and celebrating these achievements can boost confidence and motivation.
Lack of assertiveness. Some individuals struggle to assert themselves in professional or personal settings. They may hesitate to voice their opinions, advocate for their needs or take on leadership roles.
Overemphasizing weaknesses. Focusing too much on perceived weaknesses can overshadow one’s strengths. People may believe their shortcomings are more significant than their positive attributes, leading to a skewed self-perception.
Avoiding risks. Playing it safe and avoiding risks can lead to missed opportunities for growth and development. Taking calculated risks is often necessary for achieving significant progress and success.
Negative self-talk. Engaging in negative self-talk and internal criticism can erode self-esteem. This negative mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals believe they are not capable and, as a result, do not perform to their potential.
Underestimating their impact. People may not realize the positive impact they have on others or their environment. Underestimating their influence can lead to a lack of initiative and engagement.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, initially underestimated herself. Before achieving worldwide fame, Rowling faced numerous rejections from publishers and struggled with self-doubt. She was a single mother living on welfare and often questioned her ability to succeed as a writer. Despite these challenges, her determination and resilience eventually led to the creation of one of the most successful book series in history.
Despite her immense success today, Oprah Winfrey faced significant challenges and self-doubt early in her career. She was told she was “unfit for TV.” However, Oprah’s belief in her ability to connect with people and her determination to succeed drove her to eventually become one of the most influential media moguls in the world.
Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Recognize your strengths, celebrate your achievements and believe in your potential to achieve greatness.
Mackay’s Moral: It’s better to aim high and miss than to aim low and hit. Believing in yourself even when no one else does is the first step towards achieving greatness.
