Self Confidence

Self Confidence

Self Confidence is an attitude of feeling confident about one's self, an inner belief that one is right in the world and able to achieve things that others cannot. It is the state of mind that allows you to step up to challenges with both eyes wide open. Self confidence is a mental state of being confident that your chosen course of action is actually the best option, that your hypothesis or belief is correct. Self-confidence comes from a Latin phrase 'cognitio nostra' that means "mind the inner". Therefore, having self confidence is having confidence in yourself.

Self-confidence can be a mind-set or trait. Self-confidence can be the product of living a life of success with others or it can also come from a lifetime of dealing with failure, rejection and adversity. Self confidence allows you to accept responsibility for your own actions and reactions rather than blaming them on others. It gives you the strength to follow your own rules.

To build your self-confidence, you must first accept that you have the ability and capacity for doing whatever it is you want to do. Then you must believe in yourself enough to try it and give it a go. You must have a clear understanding of what self-confidence is and how to build it. A person who lacks self-confidence will often say things like; I can't do it!

Self-confidence will help you succeed in any endeavour you undertake because it takes the emphasis off of what is holding you back. Self-confidence will allow you to accept responsibility for your own action and reactions rather than blaming them on others. Self confidence gives you the strength to make decisions, communicate and take action. Self confidence gives you the energy to challenge the status quo and to challenge circumstances head-on. And it does this without a sense of guilt!

If you lack self-confidence, you will tend to focus on the problems facing you rather than the opportunities. You will become very aware of the negative reaction everyone has to your actions and words. You will feel very much like there is something wrong with you and that you cannot cope with certain situations. You will also be reluctant to let others know what your difficulties are. You will also be reluctant to try new things simply because you do not feel confident enough to do them.

Building your self-confidence should not be something that you feel you must do. You can achieve it when you believe that you can and when you have an awareness that others share your same hopes, dreams and ideals. Self-confidence can start from an awareness that you are likely to be perceived as successful in every situation by others. Self-confidence is also built upon a strong belief in your ability to overcome challenges and to rise above those around you. It should be considered a lifelong investment.

When you think of yourself, what do you see? Is there a picture of a positive person, one who is confident, optimistic, willing to take on life's challenges and yet who accepts others for who they are? Can you see yourself in a similar way? If so, your self confidence will be enhanced.

Self-confidence is an inner state that we create through practice. The first step is to examine your beliefs about yourself and accept others the way they are. Once you have done this you will start to build your own self esteem. Self-esteem is the foundation of confidence. Once you have built your self-esteem you will be able to increase your confidence, and in turn increase your self-confidence level.