Is it Better to be Overly Cocky or Overly Humble?

This is a question that many people struggle with, especially in the professional world. How do you balance confidence and modesty, without coming across as arrogant or insecure? In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of being overly cocky or overly humble, and offer some tips on how to find the optimal middle ground.

Overly cocky: The benefits and drawbacks

Being overly cocky means having an exaggerated sense of one's own abilities, achievements, or importance. It can manifest as boasting, bragging, or dismissing others' opinions or feedback. Some people may adopt this attitude as a way of coping with insecurity, fear, or low self-esteem. Others may genuinely believe that they are superior to others and deserve more recognition or respect.

The benefits of being overly cocky are:

- It can boost your self-confidence and motivation.

- It can help you stand out from the crowd and attract attention or opportunities.

- It can make you appear more assertive and decisive.

- It can protect you from criticism or rejection.

The drawbacks of being overly cocky are:

- It can alienate you from others and damage your relationships.

- It can make you overestimate your capabilities and take unnecessary risks.

- It can blind you to your weaknesses and prevent you from learning or improving.

- It can backfire if you fail to deliver on your promises or expectations.

Overly humble: The benefits and drawbacks

Being overly humble means having a low or negative view of one's own abilities, achievements, or importance. It can manifest as downplaying, minimizing, or apologizing for one's own success or contributions. Some people may adopt this attitude as a way of avoiding conflict, criticism, or envy. Others may genuinely believe that they are inferior to others and undeserving of praise or recognition.

The benefits of being overly humble are:

- It can make you more likable and relatable to others.

- It can help you avoid arrogance and complacency.

- It can make you more open-minded and receptive to feedback or advice.

- It can motivate you to work harder and strive for excellence.

The drawbacks of being overly humble are:

- It can undermine your self-confidence and self-worth.

- It can make you invisible or overlooked in the crowd and miss out on opportunities.

- It can make you appear less assertive and decisive.

- It can expose you to exploitation or manipulation by others.

Finding the balance: How to be confident without being cocky, and modest without being humble

As you can see, being overly cocky or overly humble can have both positive and negative consequences. The key is to find a balance between the two extremes, where you can acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, appreciate your achievements and challenges, and respect yourself and others. Here are some tips on how to do that:

- Be realistic: Assess your skills and performance objectively, based on facts and evidence, not on emotions or opinions. Recognize what you are good at and what you need to improve on. Celebrate your successes but also learn from your failures. Don't compare yourself to others but rather focus on your own goals and progress.

- Be grateful: Express gratitude for the opportunities and resources that have helped you along the way. Thank the people who have supported you or contributed to your success. Appreciate the feedback or criticism that has helped you grow or improve. Don't take anything for granted but rather cherish what you have.

- Be respectful: Treat others with kindness and courtesy, regardless of their status or position. Listen to their perspectives and opinions, even if they differ from yours. Appreciate their strengths and achievements, without feeling threatened or jealous. Don't put others down but rather lift them up.