Like so many other human qualities, self-doubt exists on a continuum.

A person can be inflicted with so much doubt about themselves that it virtually guarantees their failure to embark on a challenging but doable activity. But if they’re not self-doubting at all, an unjustified overconfidence can make them just as likely to fail in what they ill-advisedly dive into.

So, similar to other character traits, it’s a matter of experientially discovering your personal sweet spot, an intriguing topic I’ve explored in past writings. Because, in a sense, there are few things more advantageous than consciously cultivating a situation-specific Goldilocks perspective.

Here are five major benefits of, ironically, holding on—but not too tightly—to some skepticism about your innate potential and capabilities, whether that pertains to work tasks or relationships.

Consider that mild to moderate self-doubt, which doesn’t leave you overwhelmed, can contribute to the following:

Being a “know-it-all,” assuming you already possess more knowledge about a person or subject than others do, can lead to a complacency that prevents you from expanding your knowledge base.

But regularly questioning yourself—vs. nonchalantly, mindlessly, or smugly taking for granted your possessing adequate or superior knowledge about something—can motivate you to set your sights higher and so facilitate more substantial learning.

Clearly, exploring alternate viewpoints and orientations can’t happen if you avoid an initially uncomfortable pursuit of new information or skills. Paradoxically, the more you learn, the more you realize not what you now know but what, contrariwise, you still don’t know. And that’s a good thing, for it feeds—not thwarts—your curiosity.

When you accomplish things........

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