Has anyone ever told you something like this? “You can do it, but you just need more self confidence.” Self confidence and self esteem are keys to believe that you can live your dreams and do what you love.
It’s easy to look at others in real life or on social media and ask, “Why do they get to do what they love?” Their lifestyle is something you dream of, but why can’t that be you? It starts with self confidence and self esteem, believing that you have everything in you to do what you always wanted to do.
The words “self confidence” and “self esteem” are used quite synonymously in today’s world, as they both are a belief and trust in one’s self, abilities, and judgment. For the purpose of this article, we will use the term “self confidence” instead of self esteem to keep it short and sweet.
By the end of this article, you will learn what is self confidence, why you need it, and how to increase it.
What is self confidence?
The dictionary definition of self confidence is “a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.”
We’re going to dig a little deeper and say that self confidence is not only trusting in yourself. It’s believing in yourself. Self confidence is believing that you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.
Whether you’re working towards a dream job, developing a new skill, or learning for a better future, you can increase your self confidence by believing that you can do it. You can hit your goals and do those things you always wanted to do.
Self confidence is also trusting in yourself to the point that if you don’t know how to do something, then you know you can figure it out. Whether you find an alternate solution, teach yourself a new skill, or fake it til you make it. Self confidence is knowing that you don’t know everything, but being willing to learn and put in the work.
Why should I be self confident? Isn’t it prideful?
Self confidence is a lot like self care. It isn’t selfish, nor is it a waste of time or energy. It’s important for each of us to have self confidence in ourselves because when we feel confident about who we are, that naturally lifts other people.
For example, think about a time you did something that was difficult. Other people naturally flocked to you, inspired by your actions. Believing in yourself inspired the people around you to believe in themselves.
Self confidence lifts everyone up.
Now the question is… is it prideful to have self confidence?
Not at all, but it can be.
When we put too much confidence in ourselves, then we become prideful. Anything in excess is not a good thing. Self confidence is trusting and believing that you can do anything, while, at the same time, knowing that you still have a lot to learn.
We can also have enough self confidence in trusting God. Knowing that he has a plan and putting in our best effort will give us a healthy amount of self confidence.
How do I increase my self confidence?
We can increase self confidence in many ways, but especially through 1) knowing who we truly are, and 2) believing in ourselves.
This blog features entire articles dedicated on ways to increase your self confidence, so instead of rewriting them all here, check out these articles:
-Do you know who you really are?
-How to have more confidence in your unique abilities and gifts
-How to have self confidence no matter your age
-How to stop caring what other people think
Conclusion
Self confidence is not selfish. It’s an important part of life that will help us do the things we love and create the beautiful life. So if a friend mentions that you need a little more self confidence, don’t be afraid to explore it.
Try new things. Trust yourself and trust God. Put in your best effort. The more you try and put yourself out there, learning new skills along the way, the more your confidence grows. You got this friend!
P.S. I wrote a whole book about Hawaiian values that will boost your self confidence and help you create paradise where you are. Check it out: Aloha State of Mind
What is self confidence to you?
How do you build your self confidence? What does self confidence mean to you? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you. Mahalo!
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