illusory superiority

Illusory superiority is this crazy little thing that goes on in our brains that cause us to overestimate our positive qualities and abilities and to underestimate our negative qualities, relative to others.

For instance, a study was done in 1986 asking almost 200 participants to rate their driving skills. The study found that almost 80% of participants had evaluated themselves as being above the average driver. Mathematically, 80% of us cannot be above average at anything.

I know this is true for me. I have a tendency to think that in many areas, there’s nobody that can do a job better than me. I definitely think I’m a waaay better driver than most people. Most people, of course, don’t have a clue about how to run a business, raise a family, or pick a restaurant. Just ask me about that stuff, I’m an expert, right?

How about when it comes to the difficult people in our lives? Isn’t it true that you and I are the only “normal” ones and that it’s always everyone else who has the real issues? I mean, good grief, if everybody was as good a driver as I am, there’d never be a traffic jam or an accident. But wait…I have been known to fire off a quick text while driving. Sometimes I’m lazy and “forget” to use my turn signal. And speed limits? Aren’t those specifically for the “below average” drivers?

Or could it be that I’ve been stricken with a case of illusory superiority.

At NewPointe Church, we’re in a message series right now that’s helping us learn how to deal with the difficult people in our lives. After all, it’s everyone else who’s difficult so I’m just going to have to learn to cope. Or, do I need to consider that pesky little illusory superiority thing more carefully?

Yeah, I guess I can be difficult, too. What might happen if I approached this  message series looking through this lens: Wow, what I’m some (or most) of the problem is me?

Maybe this Sunday instead of elbowing the people that I think need to hear it or thinking of the people I wish would get their acts together, what if I focus on me? What do I need to hear? What do I need to apply? What does God have to say to me…and the other 80% of the people in the room who are way more “normal” than average.

See you Sunday!

But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12