Today, we’re talking about the Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge or ability tend to overestimate their competence. At the same time, those with high levels of skill often underestimate their capabilities.
Imagine a dancer who’s taken just a few weeks of classes. They start to believe they’re naturally talented and sign up for a competition, fully expecting to win. But when they perform, it becomes obvious that their skills fall short compared to the other competitors. Despite this, they remain convinced of their abilities and blame the judges for being unfair.
This is a classic example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect: limited experience makes it hard for people to accurately assess their own skill level. They’re overconfident because they don’t yet realise how much more there is to learn. On the flip side, an experienced dancer may get so caught up in their flaws that they underestimate their abilities, even though they may be among the strongest performers in the room.
In my two and a half decades as a professional dancer and business owner, I’ve seen this pattern play out over and over. Sometimes, even I underestimate the depth of knowledge I’ve built over the years, simply because I’m so used to the day-to-day challenges of this niche industry.
Many dancers thrive in their familiar environment, only to feel overwhelmed at world-class competitions. They enter with confidence but soon face a reality check — a clear reminder that ignorance often feels like bliss until challenged.
To sum it up:
The Dunning-Kruger Effect reminds us that growth starts with honest self-assessment. When we combine humility with inspiration, we open the door to both personal and professional progress.
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