If you have found yourself relying exclusively on the opinions of others for confidence in your self and ambitions, you may need a large dose of self-confidence. Self-confidence can benefit your performance as well as give you the empowerment you need to succeed.
Definition
Self-confidence can be defined as having a positive, realistic self-image. With self-confidence comes the ability to handle criticism, show affection, and be optimistic and assertiveness. Self-confident people have a positive outlook and think positive thoughts about themselves, believing that their abilities match the tasks that they must take on. Emotional maturity and the ability to pragmatically evaluate capabilities are also markers of confidence.
Initial Development of Confidence
According to the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana's counseling center, the early years of a child's life are important for developing a positive self-image and self-confidence. The acceptance of a child by his parents can be the building blocks of a lifetime of self-confidence. Parents who promote self-reliance with praise and rewards for successful endeavors give their kids a healthy jump start on their self-concepts. As a child grows, however, his peer influences and student groups can have an even more powerful affect on his self-confidence.
Sources of Confidence
Stanford University professor Albert Bandura came up with a theory about "self-efficacy," or self-confidence. Bandura believes that confidence comes from four primary sources. The first and most important source is for people to experience small successes and to be able to celebrate their own role in those successes. Also, seeing others succeed can help boost people's belief in themselves. Personal persuasion, or being told verbally that they can achieve their goals, is another way that people build their self-confidence. The fourth way is through interpreting moods as well as emotional and somatic states. People are able to judge their stress levels and vulnerabilities toward failures.
Enhancing Personal Performance
According to economists at Yale University, self-confidence can motivate people to reach goals higher than ever. Self-perceptions can be changed through positive self-talk, or positive thoughts about yourself. Believing that you can achieve a higher goal, according to this study, can actually motivate you to work harder, ending with a successful venture. In a study conducted by Stephanie Stolz at Missouri Western State University, a significant decrease in performance was associated with low self-confidence.
Strategies for Developing Self Confidence
You can increase your self-confidence by strategically experiencing success and positivity. First try to think positively about yourself. Set easily reachable goals and praise or reward yourself every time a goal is achieved. Begin to express your feelings in a realistic manner, avoiding negativity and violating other people. Learning assertiveness can help you build your self-confidence while teaching you where your weaknesses really lie.
References
- University of Buffalo Counseling Services: Self Confidence
- Stanford University: Self-Efficacy Defined
- California State University of Long Beach: How do we Get Self Confidence?
- Yale University: Self Confidence--Interpersonal Strategies
- Missouri Western State University: The Importance of Self Confidence in Performance
Member Comments