Foreword

      By Alexandra Franzen

      Founder/Editor, the Tiny Press Author,

      You’re Going to Survive and The Checklist Book

      As a writer, I spend a great deal of time Googling all kinds of random, interesting topics—going down hundreds of spiraling internet rabbit-holes.

      Occasionally, I stumble across a piece of information that leaves a permanent, forever-and-ever impression on my mind. After discovering this new piece of info, I perceive the world—and myself—differently.

      Here’s one of those.

      Years ago, I came across a research study from a top university—a study about men, women, and confidence.

      The premise was very simple.

      First, the researchers divided their test subjects into two groups: male and female.

      Everyone was given a fairly simple math test. Ten questions to complete.

      After the test—before revealing the scores—the researchers asked the men, “So, how did it go? How well do you think you did on that test?” Generally, the men were quite confident about their scores. On average, the men replied, “Pretty good. I think I got about 8 or 9 out of 10 questions correct.”

      The women got asked the same question. On average, the women replied, “Oof, yikes, not so good. I think I got maybe 5 or 6 out of 10 questions correct.”

      Then the researchers revealed the actual scores. Turns out, everyone—male and female—performed about the same. The average test score was around 7 out of 10, regardless of gender.

      Moral of the story: Often (not always, of course, there are exceptions to every rule…but often!) men tend to slightly overestimate their abilities (“I’m gonna do great!” “I’ve got this!” “I’m going for it!” “I’m a great candidate for this position!”), whereas women tend to slightly underestimate their abilities (“I don’t think I’m qualified,” “Why would they choose me?” “I’m not ready.”)

      What does this mean?

      It means that, as a woman, you are actually more awesome than you think.