5 Keys To Building a Self-Fulfilling Model for Confidence
Confidence is a necessity in business and in life
What are some of the qualities we see in those we consider confident? Do we observe loud or quiet, big or small, happy, determined, positive or tenacious? Actually, there are many layers to being confident and confidence does look different on different people at different times. During the 2012 Olympics as sprinter Usain Bolt stepped onto the track to defend his gold medal, there was an unmistakable look of confidence about him. That didn’t mean he couldn’t lose; it simply meant he believed he would win.
A Belief In One’s Own Ability
The word “confidence” is defined as a feeling, state or quality of being; a feeling that you can rely on something or someone, a sense of assurance or self-assurance and an emotional security and faith in ones self and ones ability, capacity and power. While legitimate confidence based on an informed belief in ones self is no guarantee of success in any single instance, the belief that a person can realistically succeed does contribute to a pattern of success. In contrast, those who lack confidence may find success through luck, timing or opportunity, but without self-belief success is very difficult to maintain.
Research tells us that some people may have a biological predisposition to certain characteristics, be it optimism or pessimism, or confidence or self-doubt. However, these predispositions alone do not tell the story. Your experiences — including where you live, what you learn and who believes in you — can significantly impact who you become and what you achieve. Perhaps confidence comes more easily when you have the right DNA, but we’re all capable of writing and rewriting our own story.
The Brain Believes What it Experiences
Chances are you’ve had moments where your confidence has grown or diminished. It can happen over years or in a moment. Neuroscience tells us that the brain can learn what it experiences, real or imagined. Visualization and virtual reality experiences can convince the brain we’ve experienced things we’ve only imagined. The brain processes our thoughts and virtual experiences as tangibly as it processes our actual experiences. If you believe you can succeed, you can vastly improve your odds of succeeding. Of course confidence alone won’t allow you to beat Usain Bolt in a race, but it can still carry you a long way.
5 Observations We Often Make about Confident People and What You Can Learn From Them
1. Confident people seek opinions and information from others. Not for approval but to test or improve their ideas. While they’re confident in their beliefs, they also recognize the value open-mindedness.
What can you learn? Actively solicit input from others, and be confident enough to listen to what they say. Incorporate the new ideas that resonate with you.
2. Confident people admit when they’re wrong. Confidence doesn’t equate to infallibility. Self-assured people recognize their mistakes.
What can you learn? We all make mistakes. When you make a mistake, own it and learn from it.
3. Confidence can be quiet. Confident people don’t feel the need to force their ideas on others or scream to be heard. If others disagree, the confident person will often go in his own direction.
What can you learn? Be willing to take a stand or take a risk when you know you’re right. Don’t be afraid to follow your own path.
4. Confident people know their strengths and weaknesses. Self-assuredness comes from self-awareness. Confident people understand their capabilities as well as their shortcomings.
What can you learn? Build upon your strengths and develop or compensate for your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Confident people believe they should succeed. This isn’t an expression of self-entitlement. Belief is the key word.
What can you learn? Project confidence in your stature, actions and words. Stand up straight, take up space and smile. Visualize yourself being successful. By combining your visualizations and physical actions to emulate confidence, you are training your brain to believe in your own ability.
Do you see yourself as a confident person? Take time each day to consciously create a picture in your mind. Imagine yourself engaged in the actions of a confident person. Think confidently and let your brain create a path to success.
Related content:
4 Simple Steps to Help Avoid Being Overwhelmed
Getting Overwhelmed? Catch Yourself Before You Fall
Happiness, Will You Know It When You See It
How to Turn Fear to Your Advantage
