Positive Illusions: Hack Your Confidence And Make It Big

Positive illusions are unrealistically favorable attitudes people have towards themselves or those around them. They are a form of self-deception that serves to maintain self-esteem and/or avoid discomfort. Included is the inflation of one’s assessed abilities, unrealistic optimism about the future, and an illusion of control. Despite the fact that it is statistically improbable for most people to be superior to their peers, rather than being aware of their strengths and weaknesses, the majority take into account only their strengths.

Think: driving ability, parenting, leadership, and general health. Or memory, since we all have perfect vision backwards. People tend to regard themselves as above average in these areas, despite there being no evidence pointing to said ability. It goes to explain why more than 90 percent of drivers are above average. They think they are, anyways. The math does not add up.

Positive illusions are distorted perceptions of reality. These illusions, while not entirely accurate, serve adaptive psychological functions. They make us feel better and stronger. People see themselves more positively than how others might objectively view them. Individuals overestimate their ability to influence outcomes, even in situations governed by chance, like the rolls of dice. Folks also tend to believe they are less likely than others to experience negative events, like underestimating their chances of developing a serious illness while overestimating their likelihood of achieving success.

Positive illusions are double-edged blades. While they can serve adaptive psychological functions—maintain self-esteem, reduce stress, foster a sense of belonging, encouragement to set out on ambitious goals, persistence in the face of setbacks, increased likability and confidence—excessive or misaligned illusions can also result in terrible outcomes. Poor decision making, since overconfidence can lead to underestimating risks, financial losses, accidents, or health issues. Difficulty learning, because unrealistic self-assessments push us to ignore constructive criticism. Interpersonal conflicts, since inflated self-perceptions create tension in relationships if others perceive a lack of humility.

Real life implications of positive illusions:

• Personal development: athletes often rely on positive illusions to push through intense trainings, believing they are capable of surpassing their competition, even when evidence suggests otherwise;

• Relationships: partners who idealize each other tend to have stronger, more satisfying relationships, as viewing a partner more positively reinforces trust and commitment;

• Education: students who believe in their capacity to learn and succeed tend to persist through challenging coursework, even if their initial skills are subpar;

• Entrepreneurship: businesspersons frequently display positive illusions, such as overestimating the likelihood of their venture’s success, and while this can drive innovation and effort, pairing optimism with market research ensures a better balance of vision and feasibility;

• Health: patients with a positive outlook on recovery tend to engage more actively in rehab and healing practices.

How you might use positive illusions as a mental model: (1) use optimism strategically to fuel action without neglecting potential risks, such as by approaching new ventures believing in success but being wholly aware of the risks involved; (2) leverage them in goal-setting, choosing ambitious goals driven by confidence in your abilities but break them into smaller, realistic milestones; (3) buffer against stress, in times of uncertainty reminding yourself of past successes or focusing on perceived strengths to reduce anxiety and stay focused; (4) cultivate constructive feedback, pairing positive illusions with a frame of mind for growth, acknowledging areas for improvement and your present strengths; (5) during setbacks, emphasize learning opportunities and the belief that you can succeed in the upcoming future.

Thought-provoking insights. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” is a classic by Henry Ford, reminding us of the power of belief in influencing outcomes. “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” highlights that an inherent sense of optimism is needed to drive action, take risks, and achieve. The story of the Pygmalion effect demonstrates how, when teachers think positively of their students, these assessments can result in academic achievement. “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” encourages setting out for ambitious goals, as working toward them yields significant growth even if the end goal isn’t met. Balanced with critical thinking, positive illusions help you achieve personal and professional growth. Recognize when and where you lack positivity, and when you should temper yourself with a dose of realism. Employ this lens.