Perfect Poise, Perfect Life
Bring your body into balance and revolutionise your life
By Noel Kingsley
Publisher Hodder Mobius
AVAILABLE HERE
« Skill or technique? | Main | Ongoing learning »
Are you above average?
We had the monthly meeting of our small photography group at my office yesterday and my friend Michael shared a personal view of his about expertise and skill that I found most interesting. It is his impression that most people regard themselves as above average at certain things and he mentioned driving as one activity in particular. His observation seems most astute as I am unable to think of anyone I know who would say they are bad at driving. Do you consider yourself a good driver? Of course you are!
Other things that Michael suggested may also attract such high regard of oneself are our sense of humour, personal hygiene and being "good in bed". Have you ever heard anyone say that they have a lousy sense of humour or that they are not very hygienic or that they are not "good in bed"? I certainly have not.
And while some of these activities might not have serious consequences, driving certainly can as my friend pointed out. If someone thinks that they are an above average driver, it is likely that they may take greater risks than if they believed otherwise; if we all do so then it is easy to see how accidents can happen.
Most of us would also consider ourselves as honest people, despite possibly 'massaging the truth' to aid situations, avoid disapproval or conflict. We may even embellish our prowess or experience to tell a good story in the pub; but we probably would still consider ourselves as honest. The same might be said of being reliable even though if our actions were accurately examined we may find ourselves falling short. Most of us would consider ourselves generous and certainly not 'mean' although if a measurement could be made in relation to income we may find that we are otherwise, while others are more giving in time, favour or money than 'necessary'. But we are unlikely to consider ourselves as mean.
It appears to me that an inflated opinion of oneself occurs when our ego, sexuality (manliness or womanliness), pride, sense of self-worth are threatened. Where there are social standards of acceptability and personal integrity in question we are more likely to take a defensive attitude, probably without even being aware that we are doing so.
If you have experience in psychology please do add a comment. Can you think of other activities in life that we are most likely to think of ourselves as being 'above average' whether it is, or is not the case?
But as Muhammad Ali said, "It's hard to be humble, when you're as great as I am."
He also said:
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was."
"My way of joking is to tell the truth. That's the funniest joke in the world."
Other great Muhammad Ali Quotes.
Thanks for the insight Michael. :-)
