Illusion of Control: What Actually Depends on Us 🔍

We all tend to overestimate or underestimate our ability to control what happens. In situations where we have little control, we display unexpected confidence. Conversely, we retreat when we could actually influence outcomes. The illusion of control is one of many “positive illusions” documented in psychology. On one hand, it has a positive effect, as it encourages confident action and resilience in the face of difficulties.

On the other hand, it leads us to waste energy on futile resistance, with no positive outcome in sight. When we overestimate our abilities, we risk making tragic mistakes for which we will pay dearly later.

The courage to be honest with ourselves has many benefits. How good of a person am I? To what extent can I control my life? In which situation are efforts more likely to be rewarded? Answering these questions requires self-assurance based on objective reality and facts, achieved through self-analysis and reflection, rather than belief in miracles. Calibrate it, and you’ll achieve much better results than you hoped for.