In the eyes of others, certain traits of an individual may be perceived as weaknesses, but the definitions of strengths and weaknesses can vary depending on the circumstances. Psychologists suggest that there are two common “bad habits” that could lead to success.
According to American psychologist Mark Travers, traits like being thin-skinned and self-doubt are often seen as negative. However, from a psychological perspective, these traits each embody a hidden advantage.
Being thin-skinned means being particularly sensitive to criticism, which is often viewed as a lack of strength or ability to handle things under pressure. In environments that value boldness and determination, this trait is not highly regarded because those who appear weak when facing criticism are often seen as less capable.
Nevertheless, from a psychological standpoint, sensitivity to criticism may not only be an emotional response but could also be a heightened form of perception of feedback.
A study conducted in 2025 found that some individuals are more sensitive to negative signals in their environment, such as changes in tone or disapproval. While this sensitivity can sometimes be unpleasant, it can also enable individuals to receive more concrete information early on, allowing them to detect poor performance or inconsistencies.
Sensitivity to negative feedback can be seen as a predictor of improvement, especially in the realm of learning. A study from 2019 showed that individuals who are more emotionally or cognitively invested in feedback are more likely to make changes quickly. They tend to alter their practices sooner, abandon unreliable strategies earlier, or adjust their expectations more accurately.
This doesn’t mean that thin-skinned individuals are superior to others because of their sensitivity; rather, their advantage stems from the effects of this sensitivity. Essentially, emotional discomfort can serve as an amplifier. For highly sensitive individuals, emotional discomfort can amplify the level of attention drawn to mistakes. Whereas for others, such mistakes may be rationalized and overlooked.
In summary, thin-skinned individuals are quick to perceive external impacts. When handled correctly, this can serve as a driving force for learning.
Travers points out that confidence is often equated with ability, especially in social settings. Following this logic, self-doubt may be interpreted as a lack of security and, in the worst-case scenario, proof of insufficient ability.
However, a study published in 2024 indicated that people who frequently question their established conclusions tend to have more accurate judgments. This is because they are less inclined towards overconfidence, actively seek information, and are willing to change their perspectives upon receiving opposing views.
Neuroscientific research on error detection supports this view. Individuals who exhibit stronger neural signals in response to errors typically perceive mistakes more quickly and respond correctly. These error-related signals are closely associated with self-critical thinking patterns.
Persistent self-doubt not only maintains a cautious and open-mindedness but also mitigates the risks of prematurely forming conclusions. In fields where outcomes are often uncertain or require extended periods to manifest (such as science, medicine, entrepreneurship, or art), this is particularly crucial.
Thus, the true power of self-doubt lies not in weakening confidence but in fostering a cognitive humility. Individuals who frequently self-doubt tend to engage in deductive reasoning before making decisions, pressure test ideas, or contemplate potential failures. This indicates their willingness to accept corrections from others.
This contributes to an interdisciplinary counterintuitive finding – high performers’ subjective confidence tends to be lower than that of their peers. They identify more potential areas of error and recognize their own knowledge gaps. Consequently, they prepare more extensively.
Travers has previously mentioned two seemingly “stubborn” habits that can predict a person’s success. These habits include enduring boredom without giving up on tasks and consistently choosing the harder option when easier alternatives are available.