Can Lying To Yourself Be A Good Thing
Do You Lie to yourself? Experts say lying to yourself can be beneficial. They say believing we are more talented or intelligent than we really are can help us influence and win over others. Some call it moxy, some call it cocky, experts are calling it self-confidence.
It can also improve our performance by giving us a false confidence.
But they warn against being dishonest with yourself: This can get out of control and be harmful instead of helpful. Here's a test from The Wall Street Journal
How Honest Are You With Yourself?
Answer on a seven-point scale, with 1 being 'not true,' 4 being 'somewhat true,' and 7 being 'very true.'
1. My first impressions are always right.
2. I don't care to know what other people really think of me.
3. Once I've made up my mind, other people can seldom change my opinion.
4. I am fully in control of my own fate.
5. I never regret my decisions.
6. I am a completely rational person.
7. I am very confident of my judgments.
ANSWER KEY: For each question, give yourself one point, and two for answering 6 or 7. The higher your score, the more self-deceptive you tend to be.
Has it helped or hurt you? That is how you can figure if it is unhealthy.