When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you’ve heard this advice before: “Be more confident.” And most likely, this is what you think when you hear it: “If only it were that simple.”
But what is confidence? Take the belief that you are valuable, worthwhile, and capable, also konwn as self-esteem, add in the optimism that comes when you are certain of your abilities, and then enpowered by this, act courageously to face a challenge head-on. This is confidence. It turns thoughts into actions.
So where does confidence even come from? There are several factors that impact confidence.
One: what you’re born with, such as your genes, which will impact things like the balance of neurochemicals in your brain.
Two: how you’re treated. This includes the social pressures of your enviroment.
Three: the part you have control over, the choices you make, the risks you take, and how you think about and respond to challenges and setbacks. It isn’t possible to completely untangle these three factors, but the personal choices we make certainly play a major role in confidence development.
So, by keeping in mind a few practical tips, we do actually have the power to cultivate our own confidence.
Tip one: a quick fix. There are a few tricks that can give you an immediate confidence boost in the short term. Picture your success when you’re beginning a difficult task, something as simple as listening to music with deep bass; it can promote feelings of power. You can even strike a powerful pose or give yourself a pep talk.
Tip two: believe in your ability to improve. If you’re looking for a long term change, consider the way you think about your abilities and talents. Do you think they are fixed at birth, or that they can be developed, like a muscle? These beliefs matter because they can influence how you act when you’re faced with setbacks. If you have a fixed mindset, meaning thay you think your talents are locked in place, you might give up, assuming you’re discovered something you’re not very good at. But if you have a growth mindset and think your abilities can improve, a challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Neuroscience supports the growth mindset. The connections in your brain do get stronger and grow with study and practice. It alse turns out, on average, people who have a growth mindset are more successful, getting better grades and doing better in the face of challenges.
Tip three: practice failure. Face it, you’re going to fail at sometimes. Everyone does. J.K. Rowling was rejected by twelve different publishers before one picked up “Harry Potter”. The Wright Brothers built on history’s failed attempts at flight, including some of their own, before designing a successful airplane. Studies show that those who fail regularly and keep trying anyway are better equipped to respond to challenges and setbacks in a constructive way. They learn how to try different strategies, ask others for advices, and perservere.
So, think of the challenge you want to take on, realize it’s not going to be easy, accept that you’ll make mistakes, and be kind to yourself when you do. Give yourself a pep talk, stand up, and go for it. The excitement you’ll feel knowing that whatever the result, you’ll have gained greater knowledge and understanding. This is confidence.