Many people say the bumblebee overestimates its ability to fly because its body is too large for the flimsy set of wings that nature gave it. But it thinks it can fly, and it expects to fly, and it 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.
On the other hand, underestimating yourself 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.
“Don’t underestimate yourself,” said motivational speaker Les Brown. “You are capable of more than you can ever imagine.”
People often underestimate themselves. 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, in which 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.
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 toward achieving greatness.
Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive.” He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com.
