If you thought being overly confident and egotistical was a negative trait, you might want to think again, because according to a recent study, it could help you reap rewards in the workplace and beyond.
According to researchers from the University of Edinburgh and University of California, San Diego, having an overinflated belief in yourself in sport, business and even war, is actually good for you, and gets better results than those who thrive on accuracy.
The study was based on a mathematical model, which simulated the effects of overconfidence over different generations, comparing overconfidence, accuracy and under-confidence.
Although some use overconfidence as a shield when faced with high levels of uncertainty, the study found that being bold frequently brings in the rewards.
Over a long period of time, the evolutionary principal of natural selection will more likely be biased towards those who are boldly confident, meaning they’ll have more self-delusional descendants than those who are under-confident and full of insecurities.
However, although overconfidence fared well in this study in terms of rewards as well as being a great survival tactic, it also has its downfalls. The study warned that being too confident and cocky could cause a number of crashes along the way.
“The question now is how to channel human overconfidence so we can exploit its benefits while avoiding the occasional disasters,” says Dr. Dominic Johnson, from the research team.
Do you think overconfidence is a positive or a negative trait? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts.