Why it is not high self-esteem that is important for good results, but the ability to doubt yourself

Most books on self-development and achieving goals talk about the importance of self-confidence. Almost everyone who has achieved success speaks about this: believe in yourself, move forward, do not doubt for a minute that you are the best - and you will succeed.

At the same time, various polls, such as a recent studyConfidence and Self Belief Statistics UK 2021 / Gee Hair in the UK, show that most people with self-esteem are not very happy: they do not believe that they are smart, can do a good job, or that they are liked by others. It turns out that there should be a lot of losers around, but this is not so. And maybe high self-esteem is not so important?

Why people associate success with high self-esteem

First, the more confident a person is, the more persistent they are. And the more likely it is that even after failure, he will again and again achieve his goal and in the end will succeed. Psychologists believe

Self-Confidence and Performance / The National Academies Pressthat the more a person believes in the power of high self-esteem, the more difficult goals he sets for himself and the more persistently he achieves them.

Secondly, people with high self-esteem tend to boast, exaggerate their achievements and strengths, and, on the contrary, underestimate their shortcomings. Therefore, such people give the impression of more successful.

Finally, people often confuse cause and effect. That is, there is a connection between high self-esteem and excellent results, but it is not a fact that it is direct. Some studies show R. F. Baumeister, J. D. Campbell, J. I. Krueger. Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles? / Psychological Science in the Public Interestthat self-confidence can be the cause of high self-esteem, not a consequence of it.

Why doubting yourself is not a bad thing, and even vice versa

A doubting and insecure person, according to legend, does not achieve success, but in fact, insecurity can be a superpower. And that's why.

1. Overconfidence is overrated

Researchers believe R. F. Baumeister, J. D. Campbell, J. I. Krueger. Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles? / Psychological Science in the Public Interestthat it does not always lead to high efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Doubt is a reason to grow

HR professionals say4 Times Self-Doubt Can Actually Be Good for Your Career / The Musethat lack of self-confidence pushes people to learn new things, check information, work on themselves, and practice more. And this is a very valuable trait - both personal and professional. Such a person is more likely to acquire a baggage of knowledge, skills, competencies and experience, which means that he will be more in demand.

3. It is more pleasant to deal with the one who doubts.

This is not always the case. But a person who honestly admits his weaknesses, that he does not know something or does not know how, is more reliable in the long run than a self-confident narcissuswho takes on too much.

4. Doubters are more likely to ask for help.

He will find a consultant, collect the opinions of colleagues and other specialists, go in search of additional information, or even delegate the task to someone more experienced. And in the end, the result will be better than if a person does not adequately assess his strength and undertakes to do what he is not strong at.

5. Doubt is an important wake-up call

If they are too painful and persistent, this may indicate that the person is not in his place: at the wrong job, with the wrong people, in the wrong profession. For those who are accustomed to questioning their actions and decisions, it is easier to understand that they have gone astray and choose a new, more suitable vector of development.