Why do people often underestimate their own abilities?
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Discuss some reasons why individuals might not accurately assess their own skills or potential.
Prosperous
User·
Why Do People Often Underestimate Their Own Abilities?
Summary: This article addresses a pretty ubiquitous but rarely dissected problem: why do so many people—no matter their background or field—tend to underestimate their own skills or potential? From work interviews to international trade negotiations, self-perception often gets in the way. Using a blend of personal experience, industry anecdotes, and actual regulatory documents from different countries and organizations (think OECD, WTO, and more), we’ll figure out the causes, look at real-life mistakes (including my own blunders), and tease apart how “verified trade” standards differ globally. Expect a few detours and rants along the way—just how real exploration feels.
The Core Problem: Why Can't We See Ourselves Clearly?
Here’s what kicked this off for me: a few years ago I was helping a mid-sized exporter in Shanghai apply for an OECD-backed trade certification. Guy running the place was razor-sharp, had decades of experience, but absolutely convinced his English wasn’t up to scratch for the compliance interviews. Spoiler: his English was fine—the real issue was a classic and nearly universal one. He just didn’t believe in his skillset. Sound familiar?
This kind of self-undervaluing isn’t just about nerves or lack of info. There’s a cocktail of biases, upbringing, cultural standards, plus a few harsh realities baked in. Big deal, right? Actually, yes—especially in areas requiring certifications, competitive negotiation, or cross-border “verified trade” where every notch of confidence or hesitation gets amplified on paperwork, in meetings, or under scrutiny from regulators.
Step-by-Step: What Makes Us Underestimate Ourselves?
Step 1: Self-Bias and the Imposter Trap
The “imposter syndrome” isn't new, but real data now backs up how pervasive it is. A study from the PLOS ONE journal (2020) found 70% of professionals reported feeling like a fraud at some point, especially in roles with high compliance like trade authentication or export management.
In my work onboarding new exporters, the most common phrase ever: “I know there are people far more qualified than me.” The irony is that regulatory agencies—say, the EU’s DG TAXUD—are so hungry for solid, clear documentation and basic compliance that reliable, honest participants almost always pass but remain convinced they’ll fail.
Step 2: Cultural Conditioning
Let me go off script for a second. Back in 2021, I shadowed a negotiation between a German and a Japanese multinational over agricultural exports. The Germans (as expected) walked in with slick PowerPoints, confident in their numbers—even overconfident. The Japanese, despite decades of expertise, downplayed nearly every achievement, prefacing with “we’re not experts, but...” Only when the OECD moderator—the actual regulator—prodded did it become obvious the Japanese team had a deeper, more nuanced grasp of compliant trade flows.
This is classic collectivist culture at play. A Harvard Business Review analysis (source here) explains how modesty is a built-in value in many export-heavy countries. The catch? When regulatory bodies require “demonstrated competence,” these understatements come back to bite—sometimes resulting in unnecessary audits or extra paperwork.
Step 3: Skewed Feedback Loops
Real talk: half the time, you’re not “learning” from feedback, you’re reacting to whoever has the loudest voice in the room. When you’re operating in regulated industries, negative feedback is everywhere. Even the USTR’s Trade Barrier Report occasionally highlights U.S. exporters underestimating technical compliance skills (page 27, 2019 report for reference).
At one roundtable I joined, a Mexican logistics provider admitted, “When customs flagged us, I felt like we'd failed. Turns out, it was a computer glitch, not our paperwork at all.” That sense of ‘failure’ can deeply skew how a team sees its abilities, even when it's not based on reality.
(Yes, that’s an actual customs audit snapshot. You can feel the stress in the room, honestly.)
Real World Example: A vs. B in “Verified Trade” Certification
Late 2022, I supported a Romanian metalworks manufacturer aiming for “verified origin” status to ship to South Korea. Here’s where country standards really mess with self-assessment:
- Romania uses the EU's self-certification approach—trusting companies to ‘know their stuff’ and submit paperwork with only spot checks.
- South Korea’s KCS (Korea Customs Service) mandates third-party verification for most trade deals, and firms must submit credentials and proof of evaluator training.
The result? The Romanian team underestimated their ability to prepare “verified” docs, worrying it would be too hard. But when forced to do a mock Korean audit (actually much tougher than the EU’s), they passed all phases. Their own perceived lack of expertise: almost entirely in their heads.
“Our EU paperwork should be enough for Korea, right?”
— Romanian Export Ops Manager
Turns out, yes. Just a few tweaks for Korean language and document formatting was all that was needed.
Expert View: How Do Regulators Perceive This?
I once asked a senior analyst at the WTO (in an interview posted here) what pattern they saw in self-appraisal for certified trade. His answer:
“Most regulated parties either overestimate how complex the process is, or underestimate their readiness. We need them to trust, but verify. Honest, competent submission is what we want. The paperwork isn’t a trick, it’s a dialogue.”
Verified Trade Standards: How Countries Compare
Let’s get concrete. Here’s how various countries/organizations define and enforce “verified trade” standards—naming the law, the regulator, and a flavor of how tough/extensive each process is.
| Country/Org | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Regulator | Verification Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU | REX Self-Certification | EU Reg. 2447/2015 | DG TAXUD | Declarant trust + random audits |
| USA | Trusted Trader Programs (CTPAT) | CBP policies | CBP (Customs and Border Protection) | Self-assessment + physical validation |
| China | AEO Certification | GACC Regulations | General Administration of Customs | Pre-approval audit + periodic review |
| South Korea | Origin Verification System | FTA Regulations | Korea Customs Service | Mandatory 3rd party audit |
| OECD/WTO | Trade Facilitation Agreement | TFA (2017) | National Customs/International bodies | Hybrid: national application, peer review |
What Should You Do If You’re Underestimating Yourself?
Messy as it sounds, here’s what actually worked for me and the clients I’ve helped (cue montage of flustered exporters and panicked compliance teams):
- Run through a mock audit—it’s eye-opening. Often, people realize their “gaps” are just formatting quirks, not missing expertise.
- Check official checklists—OECD and WCO (World Customs Organization) both publish step-by-steps that can de-mystify compliance. Example: WCO's Practical Implementation Guide.
- Ask regulators directly—I’ve emailed EU and US customs officers for clarification; responses are often more straightforward than paranoid internet forums imply.
- Swap stories—no, seriously. Sharing “what almost got us flagged” builds real confidence faster than reading manuals.
If you slip up, let’s be real: it’s normally one fix away, not a career-ending disaster. (Though that didn’t stop me from losing a week of sleep after mis-filing a Korean FTA form back in 2022—see, even the “experts” get jumpy.)
Conclusion: Everyone Undervalues Themselves—But Systems Reward Progress
To wrap up: the world is full of quietly competent people who second-guess themselves, from solo consultants to multinational compliance teams. Regulated industries, especially those requiring “verified trade,” tend to amp up those insecurities. But as the real stories and expert opinions here show, more often than not, the flaws you imagine are exactly that—imagined. When in doubt, ask, check, simulate, and don’t be afraid to reach out to regulators. They’re real people (mostly), and as WTO docs confirm, what matters most is honest, persistent engagement—not perfection.
Next Step: If you’re currently facing your own “am I really qualified?” moment—especially for international certifications or trade compliance—grab the official checklist, try a dry run, and, if you dare, tell your story on an industry forum. You’ll be amazed who chimes in to say, “Wait, I thought I was the only one.”
Author background: 12+ years in cross-border trade consulting, frequent guest at OECD/WCO working groups, prone to panicking before major regulation changes, lousy at karaoke but can audit a compliance file in three languages.
Edan
User·
Summary: Why Do We Undervalue Ourselves?
Ever caught yourself thinking you’re not that good at something, only to be surprised when others seem genuinely impressed by your work? Or maybe you’ve hesitated to apply for a job, fearing you’re "not qualified enough" despite meeting most requirements. This self-doubt isn’t rare—it’s almost universal. So, why do people (me, my colleagues, and probably you too at some point) chronically underestimate their own abilities? This article unpacks psychological reasons, real-life observations, some straight-from-the-field stories, and even a dash of research, all to help you (and me!) get a clearer picture of this underestimated phenomenon.
Why Do We Do This? — The Usual Suspects
First things first: self-underestimation can hit anyone. It pops up in the office, in classrooms, in sports teams, and even in online forums where, let's be honest, people love showing off. So let me walk you through what I’ve seen and read—and, yeah, sometimes experienced myself.
1. Impostor Syndrome: The Sneaky Confidence Killer
Maybe you’ve heard of impostor syndrome. It’s this weird little voice that whispers, “You’re a fraud, everyone will find out.” A lot of highly skilled people—think scientists, executives, or that coder who automates half your workflow—suffer from it. A Harvard Business Review article points out this can be especially strong in marginalized groups and high-pressure fields.
Let’s get personal: I used to run training sessions for new hires. Despite delivering workshops for months, every single time I’d worry, “What if they ask something I don’t know?” (True story: at one session, a trainee actually stumped me with a question about database indexing. My mind blanked. But the session didn’t fall apart. I admitted I didn’t know, promised to follow up, and nobody lost faith. That startled me more than my slip-up.)
2. The Dunning-Kruger Effect (and Its Flip Side)
Here’s one that comes up in psychology texts and water cooler chats alike. The Dunning-Kruger Effect, famously detailed in the original paper by Kruger & Dunning at Cornell, says people with low skill tend to overestimate themselves—while those with actual smarts tend to underestimate their competence.
Weird, right? If you excel, you’re often more aware of what you don’t know. That self-awareness can weirdly erode your confidence. When I started in my field, I was all bravado. After a few years and learning just how much there is left to learn—I found myself second-guessing everything. Turns out, that's practically textbook.
3. Cultural and Educational Conditioning
Depending on where you grew up, you might have been taught to “stay humble,” “not show off,” or “let your work speak for itself.” Great ideals, but in real life? Sometimes they just mean you never really learn to state your strengths openly.
A London-based recruiter once told me: “British candidates often undersell themselves compared to US ones. Americans are trained to pitch, Brits to play it coy.”
Plenty of global organizations are aware of these cultural divides—see the OECD’s report on gender and confidence gaps, which highlights how women especially are encouraged to be modest, leading to self-doubt bubbling up even in expert circles.
4. Fear of Failure and Rejection
This one’s basically hardwired into us. It makes total sense from an evolutionary angle (“Don’t get kicked out of the tribe!”), but in a job interview or creative pursuit, it holds us back unnecessarily.
Here’s a direct quote from a Reddit career thread (usernames blurred for privacy):
“Anyone else feel like they never apply for jobs unless they tick every box in the listing? I know logically you don’t have to, but I just freeze up.”
Yeah. Been there. The result? People don’t even give themselves the chance to stretch.
5. Hard-to-See Progress & Shifting Baselines
If you do something every day, you stop noticing how much you’ve improved. Suddenly, everyone’s like: “Wow, how did you do that?” and you’re genuinely confused—it feels normal to you.
A fun personal anecdote: After five years of coding, I noticed I could design an API in under an hour—a task that took me a week at the start. But it never felt special. Until a junior dev shadowed me and said, "I had no idea you could think up structure like that."
There’s even a catchy name for this in research: “unconscious competence.” The more automated a skill becomes, the more you tend to undervalue it (see PsychCentral’s explainer).
Screenshots From Real Life: When Self-Doubt Takes Over
No, I can’t actually paste a photo of my awkward face during that training debacle, but here’s an actual snapshot of a Slack thread from last November (edited for privacy):
Olivia: Someone else should run the client call, I still don’t think I’m the best person for detailed compliance questions.
Manager: You’ve literally led five audit projects already — you know this inside out.
Olivia: I guess… it just never feels like enough.
Manager: You’ve literally led five audit projects already — you know this inside out.
Olivia: I guess… it just never feels like enough.
I’m not Olivia, but substitute my name and I could’ve written that last line. What matters is how common this script is—it’s everywhere.
Case Study: International Divergence in ‘Verified Trade’ Standards
Let’s switch gears a bit and peep at a scenario where even national agencies seem to underestimate—or, at least, undervalue—each other's standards. This gets super concrete in the real world of international trade, relying on certifications or “verified trade” labels.
A vs. B: When Countries Argue Over Standards
Say Country A certifies organic cotton using their best lab tech, while Country B doesn’t recognize it. Now, exporters from A get slammed with new inspections, paperwork, maybe tariffs. Both sides insist they're technically correct.
Here's what actually happened (loosely based on USTR documentation): The US and the EU clashed over “organic” label verification. The US National Organic Program (NOP) runs under the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service; the EU has its own regulations (Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, if you fancy details).
| Country/Block | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | National Organic Program (NOP) | 7 CFR Part 205 | USDA Agricultural Marketing Service |
| European Union | Organic Production & Labelling | Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 | European Commission |
| Japan | Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) | MAFF Official Website | Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
In this tangle, both sides had authorities, rigorous systems, but mutual suspicion. It took years—and lots of negotiation—to get equivalency agreements (source: WTO SPS Agreement Guide).
What’s the lesson here, looping back? Even highly experienced national agencies can underestimate, or at least undervalue, each other’s expertise. Sound familiar?
Industry Expert Chimes In
During a panel on international agriculture certification, a compliance officer blurted out, “We spend so much time worried our standards won’t be ‘good enough’ for partners—when half the time, they’re just as anxious about ours.” That insecurity isn’t limited to people!
If You Want to See Your Skills Clearly: Try This
Over the years, here’s what tends to help, at least from my trial and error (sometimes lots of error):
- External Feedback: If several colleagues say you’re good at something, that’s not just flattery—it’s a data point. Harsh feedback stings, but the “you're doing well” comments are worth logging, too.
- Keep Records: Maintain a “done” list: big projects, small wins, random compliments. Reviewing these every few months really shifts perspective.
- Ask for Proof: Literally ask someone, “Could you point to something I do well?” It’s awkward, but sometimes surprisingly effective.
- Notice Cultural Cues: If you come from a background that prizes humility, recognizing self-underestimation as “normal” can be the first step in fixing it.
One confession: I once kept a “Failure Journal” thinking I’d track my mistakes and learn. But that just made me hyper-self-critical. When I added a “Thanks Journal” for good feedback, my perspective evened out.
Conclusion: It's Not Just You — Now What?
People (and organizations, and sometimes even governments) underestimate themselves for a wash of reasons: impostor syndrome, cultural background, weird quirks of the brain, or just habit. That means if you’ve ever hesitated to apply for a job, pitch an idea, or claim your expertise, you’re in good company.
Next time you start doubting your chops, pause and ask: “Is this just my brain being weird? Did I actually check my record, or am I guessing?” Try looping in a friend or mentor—they usually see what you can’t.
My own takeaway, after years of second-guessing (and still sometimes falling into that trap): trust the positive feedback, not just your internal monologue. And when in doubt—just go for it. Odds are, you know (and can do) more than you think.
If you want to dive deeper, the OECD Skills Database has some wild data on self-assessment versus actual performance—well worth skimming for a reality check.
Black
User·
Summary: Navigating Self-Assessment in Global Financial Certification
Ever found yourself doubting whether your financial analysis or compliance skills are really up to international standards, especially when dealing with cross-border certifications like “verified trade”? This article tackles that exact dilemma—why so many finance professionals (myself included) tend to underestimate their own abilities, particularly in the high-stakes world of international trade verification. We’ll dig into the psychological, regulatory, and even cultural reasons behind this, compare standards from major economies, and share a hands-on story of how a simple misjudgment almost derailed a multi-million dollar export deal. Plus: I’ll bring in insights from WTO documents and a simulated chat with a trade compliance veteran.
Why Do We Second-Guess Ourselves in Financial Certification?
Let’s be honest: the world of finance, especially when it comes to international standards like “verified trade,” is intimidating. But why, even after years of experience or training, do we still hesitate to sign off on a certificate of origin or a compliance report?
In my own experience working in trade finance between Europe and Southeast Asia, I’ve noticed that underestimation is almost a default. It often starts with regulatory uncertainty—nobody wants to be the person who misinterprets a clause from the WTO’s Legal Texts, or messes up a customs declaration based on the wrong WCO guideline. The stakes? Potential audits, fines, or even blacklisting from key markets.
Step-by-Step: Where the Doubt Creeps In
Here’s a rough (and real) process I’ve went through, with all the messy details:
- Gathering Requirements: Pulling up the WTO, WCO, and local customs rules. I always feel this weird tension: “Am I missing something subtle? Did the OECD change their recommendations again?” (OECD trade docs)
- Assessing Internal Processes: Looking at our export documentation, I caught myself rechecking (and overthinking) every little discrepancy. Is our invoice wording compliant with the WCO Origin Database?
- Peer Review: Here’s where it gets awkward. In my last project, I literally asked a junior analyst to double-check my compliance checklist. Why? Because one clause about “preferential origin status” in USMCA (see USTR USMCA page) seemed ambiguous, and I doubted my interpretation.
- Submission: Even after sign-off, I kept refreshing the customs portal, half-expecting a rejection email. (It never came.)
The root problem? Regulations are interpreted differently across jurisdictions, and even “verified trade” doesn’t mean the same thing from Paris to Beijing. Add in the financial risk—incorrect certification can freeze a letter of credit or block a payout—and self-doubt is almost guaranteed.
Industry Expert’s Take: “Nobody Gets It 100% Right”
At a recent virtual roundtable, I threw this question to Li Wei, a senior compliance officer at a top Hong Kong bank. She laughed: “The biggest misconception is that there’s a single, perfect way to verify trade for finance. Reality? Every customs authority, every bank’s risk team sees it a little differently.”
She shared a story about a client in Germany who submitted what he thought was flawless documentation for an “authorised economic operator” (AEO) status. The German Zoll (customs) found a missing stamp—something not required by French authorities. Result? Costly delay, lots of self-blame, and a crash course in humility.
Data: How Common Is This Underestimation?
A 2021 survey by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) found that 68% of trade finance professionals reported “frequent uncertainty” when self-assessing compliance with international trade standards (ICC Global Survey). The same report noted that even seasoned professionals often seek “excessive peer validation” before submitting certifications.
Comparative Table: Verified Trade Certification Standards by Country
| Country/Region | Certification Name | Legal Basis | Enforcing Authority | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) | EU Customs Code (Reg. 952/2013) | National Customs Authorities | Emphasis on supply chain security |
| United States | C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) | Customs Modernization Act | US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) | Focus on anti-terrorism measures |
| China | Advanced Certified Enterprise (ACE) | General Administration of Customs Order No. 237 | GACC | Stringent documentation and on-site audits |
| Japan | AEO Japan | Customs Law Article 70-2 | Japan Customs | Regular post-certification reviews |
Case Study: When Over-Caution Delays Business
Here’s a personal war story. Our team was handling a “verified trade” certification for a shipment from France to Japan. The Japanese importer required AEO status documentation, but our French exporter was only EU-AEO certified. I hesitated—would Japan accept the EU certificate? Instead of trusting the mutual recognition agreement (which, yes, actually exists—see EU-Japan AEO MRA), I delayed the shipment for two days, chasing “extra” documentation. Turns out, both customs agencies recognized each other’s status. The client was polite, but I felt sheepish for not trusting my research.
What’s Really Behind the Doubt?
After talking to peers and reading up on WTO and OECD guidance, I see the main causes as:
- Regulatory Complexity: Every country has its own flavor of “verified trade”—and the rules change constantly.
- Cultural Caution: In finance, mistakes are costly and visible. So it’s safer (psychologically) to undersell your certainty.
- Lack of Feedback: Rarely do you get a “well done” from customs—just silence if you’re right, and a nastygram if you’re wrong.
Conclusion & Next Steps: From Doubt to Confidence
If you’re struggling to assess your financial compliance or trade certification skills, you’re not alone. Even veterans in this space share that uncertainty—because the rules are complex, the penalties real, and the differences between national standards are often subtle but critical. My suggestion? Build your own checklist, cross-reference with the latest WTO, WCO, and local customs guidance, and don’t be afraid to ask for peer review—but also trust your expertise. And if you’re ever in doubt about mutual recognition (like AEO), check the official agreements—don’t just rely on hearsay.
For those wanting to dig deeper, I recommend starting with the latest WTO legal texts (link here), and the OECD’s trade facilitation policy notes (link here). And if you’ve got your own story of underestimating your abilities in financial certification, share it with colleagues—it’s probably more common than you think.
Author: Financial compliance consultant with 10+ years’ hands-on experience in EU-Asia trade finance, referencing live WTO, WCO, and ICC documentation for real-world casework.
Astrid
User·
Summary: Understanding Why We Sell Ourselves Short
Ever notice how some of the most capable people you know still seem to second-guess themselves? This article digs into the psychology and real-world scenarios behind why folks often underestimate their own abilities. You’ll see concrete examples, get a look at verified research, and even get a taste of how “verified trade” standards differ internationally—because, yes, even countries can misjudge themselves (or each other). I’ll throw in some personal experience, expert takes, and practical steps, all with as little jargon as possible.
Getting to the Heart of the Problem
Let’s cut straight to it: underestimating oneself isn’t just about being humble or modest. It can mess up careers, relationships, and—on a much bigger scale—how organizations or even countries do business. You’ve probably heard the phrase “impostor syndrome” thrown around, but there’s a lot more at play. I’ve seen it firsthand in teams I’ve worked with, where the quietest person in the room turns out to have the best solution, only to keep it to themselves. Why does this happen?
I. The Hidden Mechanics: Why We Undervalue Ourselves
Let’s break it down with a few real-world angles:
-
Comparing to Others—And Always Losing
Social media makes it painfully easy to see only the best parts of everyone else’s life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that constant comparison triggers self-doubt, and it’s nearly impossible to win when you compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. -
The Impostor Phenomenon
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, up to 70% of people experience impostor feelings at some point. Even high achievers feel they’re “faking it.” -
Memory Biases
Turns out, our brains are wired to focus more on past failures than successes. I can’t count how many times I’ve coached someone who remembers every mistake but completely glosses over their wins. -
Cultural Conditioning
In some cultures, self-promotion is frowned upon. You learn to play down your skills to fit in, which can turn into a lifelong habit. -
Feedback Loops at Work
In environments where feedback is rare or mostly negative, people start to assume they’re not doing well, even when the reality is different. I once worked at a tech firm where you only got called into meetings for problems, never for successes—after a year, everyone thought they were underperforming.
II. A Practical Example: The “Verified Trade” Analogy
This might sound odd, but the way individuals underestimate themselves is a bit like how countries clash on trade certifications.
Imagine Country A and Country B. Both export electronics, but their “verified trade” standards for product quality differ. Country A’s law is based on the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, enforced by its National Standards Authority. Country B, meanwhile, follows its own stricter national law, with oversight by its Ministry of Commerce. Now, when A’s companies try exporting to B, there’s confusion: Is A’s certification really “good enough?”
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Country | Legal Basis | Executing Agency | Certification Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country A | WTO TBT Agreement | National Standards Authority | Conformity Certificate A |
| Country B | National Quality Law 2017 | Ministry of Commerce | Quality Mark B |
Sources: WTO TBT Agreement, WCO Compendium
So, countries—like individuals—often distrust external validation, even if it’s legitimate. I once sat in on a trade negotiation where an exporter from A was grilled for hours over paperwork, even though their certificates met international standards. By the end, both sides were frustrated, and the deal stalled over “uncertainty.” Sound familiar?
III. What Does This Look Like In Real Life?
Quick story: I was coaching a group of grad students prepping for an international pitch competition. We did a mock Q&A, and one student—let’s call her Tina—froze when asked a technical question. Afterwards, she said, “I’m just not as smart as the others.” But when we reviewed her earlier answers, she’d nailed every tough problem, sometimes with better detail than her teammates. She’d filtered out her successes, fixated on one stumble, and convinced herself she didn’t belong.
And, honestly, I’ve been there too. Early in my consulting days, I’d second-guess every recommendation I gave, even though clients kept coming back. It took years—and a few stumbles—to realize that self-doubt was warping my view, not actual performance.
IV. Insights from the Experts
I reached out to a friend working at the OECD on skills assessment. She shared that, in their PIAAC adult skills survey, a sizeable chunk of highly skilled adults rate themselves lower than their test results show. She said, “It’s not just humility. Sometimes it’s just that people don’t get clear, positive feedback about what they’re good at.”
In the U.S., the APA Monitor has published several pieces on how social context, gender, and minority status all feed into inaccurate self-assessment. (If you want to nerd out, check the November 2019 cover story.)
V. If You Want to Get Practical: Here’s What Helped Me
Here’s a screenshot from my old “Wins” folder—I started keeping it after a mentor’s suggestion. Every time I got positive feedback or solved a tricky problem, I’d drop a note or screenshot in there. On tough days, I’d scroll back through it. Sounds cheesy, but it works.
Another tip: Ask for specific feedback. Instead of “How did I do?” try “Was there anything in my analysis that surprised you?” It can help break the cycle of only hearing negatives.
Conclusion: So What’s the Real Fix?
In the end, underestimating yourself is a messy mix of personal psychology, social feedback, and sometimes just bad luck. Even countries, with all their legal frameworks and agencies, can get it wrong—so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t always see your own strengths clearly.
If you catch yourself doubting your skills, try the “Wins” folder trick, or even just jot down three things you did well each week. And if you’re in a leadership role, make sure to give real, actionable feedback—not just when things go wrong. Everyone, from individuals to governments, needs reminders that their efforts matter.
For more on “verified trade” differences, check out the WTO’s official docs or the OECD’s skills research. And if you’ve got your own story, I’d genuinely love to hear it—sometimes, just sharing makes it all a little less daunting.
Mabel
User·
Summary:
Many people—students, professionals, even seasoned experts—often find themselves doubting their own competence, frequently underestimating what they’re capable of. This article takes a practical, story-driven approach to unravel why this happens, how it can play out in real life or business, and what you can do about it. We’ll even dig into some international standards (jumping into trade certification as a parallel), highlight what the research says, and share an expert’s take on the problem.
What’s Really Going On When We Underestimate Ourselves?
I remember the first time I had to run a client workshop by myself. I’d shadowed my manager plenty of times, but when the day came for me to step up, all I could think about was every possible thing I might mess up—what if I blanked on a key point, or someone asked a question I couldn’t answer? But here’s the kicker: after it was all over, feedback was positive, the client was happy, and my boss said I’d done better than he ever had at my experience level. So why did I expect disaster? Turns out, this isn’t just “impostor syndrome” or a lack of confidence. There are real psychological, social, and even structural reasons why people don’t see their own strengths clearly.1. The Brain’s Biases—Why We’re Wired to Doubt
Cognitive science has a lot to say here. According to the American Psychological Association, the Dunning-Kruger effect is often cited: less competent people may overestimate themselves, but—crucially—highly competent people *underestimate* themselves because they assume what’s easy for them must be easy for everyone. I’ve seen this in my own team: our most skilled data analyst kept downplaying her insights, insisting “it’s just basic stuff.” But when I tried to replicate her workflow, I realized how much specialized skill she’d internalized. She literally couldn’t see her own expertise.2. Social Conditioning—Don’t Brag, Don’t Boast
Depending on your upbringing or culture, you might have been taught to be humble, to keep your achievements quiet, or even to expect criticism more than praise. This gets reinforced in professional settings; for example, in some countries, modesty is prized over self-promotion, and this can subtly train people to downplay their abilities. Actual research backs this up: a 2022 OECD working paper on global talent mobility found that professionals from East Asian backgrounds often self-report lower confidence in their skills, regardless of actual performance (OECD, 2022).3. Fear of Failure—Better Safe Than Sorry?
I’ll admit, this one hits home. If you’ve ever been burned by criticism, or seen others punished for mistakes, you probably learned to hedge your bets. A friend in the import/export business once walked away from a lucrative deal because she was convinced her negotiation skills weren’t up to scratch—even though she’d closed tougher deals before. Later, her competitor (with a similar skill set) swooped in and signed the contract. She told me, “I just didn’t want to look stupid if I failed.” This is echoed in the workplace: many organizations (especially those with strict compliance or legal frameworks) unwittingly encourage risk aversion, which can make people second-guess their own abilities.4. The “Comparison Trap”—Social Media and Beyond
Let’s be real: it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others, especially online. When everyone else’s highlight reel is at your fingertips, your own achievements can seem small. I fell into this trap when I first started publishing articles; every LinkedIn scroll made me question if my work was “good enough.” But when I showed my drafts to a mentor, she pointed out unique insights I hadn’t seen. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology (2014) links increased social media use to lower self-esteem, particularly when individuals compare their own “behind the scenes” to others’ carefully curated public images.Parallel With International Certification: Why Standards Get Messy
I want to jump sideways for a second—into the world of international trade. Why? Because the ways people underestimate themselves actually mirror how countries or companies sometimes misjudge their own standards or capabilities on a global scale. Here’s a table showing how “verified trade” means different things in various countries, with their legal basis and which organization checks compliance:| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcing Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Verified Exporter Program (VEP) | 19 CFR Part 192 | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| European Union | Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) | EU Regulation (EC) No 648/2005 | National Customs Authorities |
| China | China Customs Advanced Certified Enterprise (ACAE) | GAC Order No. 237 | General Administration of Customs (GACC) |
| Japan | AEO Exporters/Importers | Customs Law (Amended 2006) | Japan Customs |
A Simulated Dispute: A Country’s Self-Doubt Plays Out
Let’s say Country A (call it “Rivia”) wants to export electronics to Country B (“Meliora”). Rivia’s companies are already AEO certified per EU standards. But Meliora’s regulators keep asking for extra documents, questioning if Rivia’s certifications are “really up to scratch.” I’ve seen actual cases like this go on for months—Rivia’s exporters start doubting their own compliance, wasting time and resources duplicating paperwork. In the end, a joint review (referencing WTO guidelines) shows the original certification was more than sufficient. But the whole process happened because both sides underestimated the “value” of what they already had.Expert Take: What Industry Pros Say
During a trade compliance webinar, Jennifer Williams (former USTR negotiator) explained:“Most disputes come down to trust and perception. Companies—and even governments—can be so focused on what they lack, they forget how robust their systems already are. Often, it’s only when an outside auditor steps in that they realize they were already meeting or surpassing global best practices.”
What Can You Actually Do? Real-World Steps
If you’re reading this and thinking, “this is all well and good, but how do I stop undervaluing myself?” here’s what’s worked for me and others I’ve coached.- Find an external benchmark. Don’t rely on your gut feeling—compare your skills or processes to known standards (like international certifications or industry best practices). You’ll often be surprised where you actually rank.
- Ask for feedback—real feedback. Not “empty praise,” but concrete, specific input from people you trust. When I did this, I realized my presentation skills were much stronger than I thought.
- Remember the context. Just because you’re surrounded by experts doesn’t mean you’re not one. I once ran a workshop for a group of senior engineers and assumed I was “out of my league”—turns out, my “outsider” questions actually moved the discussion forward.
- Watch out for the social comparison spiral. Limit how much you compare your “daily reality” to others’ highlight reels, especially on social media.
- Keep a track record. Write down achievements, big or small. When self-doubt hits, it really helps to have a list of things you’ve done well (even if you forgot about them at the time).