Quick question: are you a better-than-average driver?
If you said yes, you’re in good company. Almost everyone does. In one of psychology’s classic studies, researcher Ola Svenson asked students in the U.S. and Sweden to rate their driving skills compared to others. The results? A whopping 93% of Americans and 69% of Swedes claimed they were better than average.
Of course, that’s mathematically impossible: half of the people have to be below the median.
Psychologists refer to this cognitive bias as illusory superiority, a phenomenon that research has shown to be prevalent in many aspects of our lives.
- 94% of professors say they’re above-average teachers.
- Most people think they’re more intelligent, more attractive, and more ethical than the average person.
- Even convicted criminals often say they’re more honest than their peers.
We laugh at these stats because they sound ridiculous. But here’s the thing: this bias isn’t just a quirky human flaw. It’s quietly shaping how we live, learn, and make decisions. And sometimes, it holds us back more than we realize. The truth is, in most areas, we’re average, at best.
Why we think we’re better than average
It’s easy to assume this is just ego, but there’s more to it. Our brains are wired to keep us feeling good about ourselves.
When we judge ourselves, we take into account the context: the effort we put in, the near misses, and the good intentions. With others, we only see their actions (and usually their mistakes).
Another reason we think we’re above average is that we rarely measure ourselves against a real average; instead, we subconsciously pick weaker examples. If you believe you are a better-than-average driver, you’re probably comparing yourself to the tailgaters and texters.
But mostly we live in a culture where it’s almost impossible for anyone to tell us the unvarnished truth or give us blunt critiques. Our nearest may not flatter us, but neither are they brutally honest. Imagine how few friends you’d keep if they kept repeating that you’re average, at best.
Finally, our overhype is borne out of pure naivete, a phenomenon psychologists refer to as the Dunning–Kruger effect. We simply don’t know enough to realize how little we know!
The problem with Illusory Superiority
Are you thinking, like I am, “So what if I’m blissfully self-unaware?” Seems harmless enough, right? Sure, I might play my offbeat music that makes you squirm like you’re back in a middle school orchestra recital but really, what’s the worst that could happen?
Of course, there are minor consequences like never being invited to other people’s homes again. But the bigger issue is this: if we’re already convinced we’re amazing, we might never actually find ways to improve. And that overconfidence can have real fallout, leading us to take unnecessary, even irrational risks: “I won’t fail,” “I won’t get caught,” and so on.
Breaking Free from the Trap
Here are some ways to deal with illusory superiority.
Use Data: I often convince myself I’ve worked out hard enough for the day. Sometimes the stats (my tracker) beg to differ. Progress happens when we track facts, rather than feelings.
Get real feedback: There’s a reason writers don’t just ask friends or family what they think of their work. They go to peers and industry professionals. Without personal feelings or family politics in the mix, it’s much easier to judge the work on its own merit.
Track progress: I’ll be honest. I can’t bring myself to read anything I wrote a few years, or even a few months ago, without feeling a little mortified and dying a little. But I remind myself: at least I’m being honest, and hopefully improving… even if there’s still a long way to go.
Finally
Illusory Superiority may feel like the opposite of Impostor Syndrome. However, the truth is that we can be in both camps in different areas. Recognizing that most of us aren’t going to be extraordinary at most things is freeing. The goal isn’t to outshine everyone else. Becoming better versions of ourselves is always a noble pursuit and one worth pursuing.