According to psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, the answer is a resounding no. In the book "Confidence” he strikes a blow that we are completely wrong when we think success depends on how much self-confidence you have. In fact, he goes so far as to claim that it is just the opposite, low self-confidence, that is the best driver of success.

The core of Chamorro-Premuzic is that success is not about one's confidence level, but about one's competence level. And the reason we think it's the other way around is that very successful people often have high self-confidence at the same time. We just forget to think about all the hard work that goes into success. So success (and the resulting confidence) should come from your level of competence; because you are good at something.

According to Chamorro-Premuzics, research shows that people with low self-confidence seek negative feedback to a greater extent than people with high self-confidence and that negative self-evaluations drive the desire and work to improve to a greater extent.

One of the problems with high self-confidence is that it is often not really based on anything. Being known for being in the Paradise Hotel does not require great skills. And gives an exaggerated or hollow self-confidence that you don't really have anything to do with. This is also why we watch shows about failed reality stars whose only goal is to get back on TV.

However, it's not just reality stars who suffer from inflated self-esteem. According to Chamorro-Premuzic, it is quite common that there is a gap between our own perception of how competent we are and reality. Eg. it is reported that most managers think they are better than average and that all 90 % think they are better than average drivers (Which is impossible. How can 90 % be better than half?)

Advantages of low self-esteem:

1. Makes you aware of negative feedback and self-critical.
   However, it requires that you have ambitions at the same time. Is driven towards a goal. Or the pessimism that low self-esteem often follows can hit you hard.
2. Can motivate you to work harder and prepare more.
   If you are serious about your goals, you will have more incentive to work towards them if you doubt your abilities to achieve them.
3. Reduce the risk of appearing arrogant or lying to yourself.
   People with low self-esteem admit their mistakes more often and blame others less often. At the same time, they rarely take credit for other people's successes.