Why You Are Probably Above Average

Most people genuinely believe they are better than average at almost everything. Since everyone cannot be above average, this cognitive bias reveals that our brains are hardwired to overestimate our own skills.

This phenomenon is known as illusory superiority, and it affects how we judge our intelligence, driving skills, and personality traits. It acts as a protective shield for our ego, helping us maintain a positive self-image even when reality suggests otherwise. Interestingly, the people least skilled in a task are often the most likely to overestimate their competence. Recognizing this bias can help you stay humble and open to honest feedback.