Why You Should Never Underestimate Someone
We all have a tendency to underestimate people. It’s human nature. We see someone who doesn’t look like they could possibly be intelligent or successful and we write them off without giving them a chance.
Maybe it’s because we’re afraid to trust people, or maybe we’re just lazy. Whatever the reason, underestimating people is a bad habit that can lead to missed opportunities and lost relationships. In this article, we’ll discuss why.
9 reasons why you shouldn’t underestimate someone
1. You never know what someone is capable of
It’s like the age-old saying says, “never judge a book by its cover.”
A person may present a certain way on the outside, but you never know what they’re capable of until you get to know them.
For example, a person who is shy and withdrawn in social situations may be an amazing artist or musician. Or, someone who doesn’t look very tough could turn out to be a world-class martial artist.
2. You might miss out on a great opportunity
If you underestimate someone, you could be missing out on an awesome opportunity. That person could be your next business partner, mentor, or friend.
There are countless stories of people who wrote off authors and artists who later went on to become successful. J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before her Harry Potter series became a global phenomenon.
If you’re constantly underestimating people, you could be missing out on some great opportunities in life; and in some cases, the world can’t afford that.
3. It’s disrespectful
When you underestimate someone, you’re essentially telling them that they’re not good enough or suitable enough. It’s a form of disrespect and it can be very hurtful.
4. It can damage relationships
If you underestimate someone, it can damage your relationship with them. They may feel like you don’t respect or value them, which can lead to tension and conflict.
No one likes to be underestimated. It’s an incredibly frustrating feeling. People will simply distance themselves from you if they feel like you don’t see their worth.
5. It leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy
If you keep underestimating someone, they’ll eventually start to see themselves through your eyes. They’ll believe that they’re not good enough or capable enough and they’ll start to act accordingly.
It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you underestimate someone, the more likely it is that your opinion will become their reality.
6. You could be projecting
Sometimes, when we underestimate people, it’s because we’re the ones who feel inferior. We project our own insecurities onto others in an attempt to make ourselves feel better.
For example, if you feel like you’re incapable of achieving greatness, you’ll think the same about everyone else, too. It’s a defense mechanism that protects your ego.
7. You could end up looking foolish
If you underestimate someone and they turn out to be more successful or intelligent than you thought, you’ll look foolish. You never want to be the person to turn down the next big thing because you didn’t believe in it.
8. It could put you in danger
If you underestimate someone’s strength, ability, or determination, it could put you in physical danger. For example, if you pick a fight with someone who turns out to be a black belt in karate, you’re going to get hurt.
9. It says more about you than them
Your shortsightedness and inability to see past the superficial says more about you than it does about the person you’re underestimating.
If you can’t see past someone’s appearance or immediate situation, it says more about your own limitations than theirs. You’re the one with the problem, not them.
Conclusion
We don’t have all the answers. People surprise us all the time, doing things they themselves didn’t know they were capable of. Sometimes it takes a catalyst to bring out the best in a person. These are all things to keep in mind the next time you’re tempted to underestimate someone.