What is Self-Confidence?

Time for a self-evaluation.  

Do you ever: 

Let what other people think affect what you say, how you act, or what you do?

Avoid taking risks because they are out of your comfort zone and you are scared of failing?

Try to cover up your mistakes or problems before anyone notices them?

Applaud your own virtues out loud? Seek approval of other people by mentioning a good deed you did?

Dismiss compliments? Eg. "I like your hair." "Oh it's nothing. Anyone could do it." or "Yours is better!"

Compare yourself to other people, celebrities, etc?

Let something you read in a magazine or heard on TV affect how you act or dress?

Think negative thoughts about yourself because of something that someone said?

We are all human, but if you answered 'yes' to any of these, you may want to consider drawing some attention to these areas of your life. We all have our moments, but if you find yourself in moments like those weekly, follow this blog. I've come up with a series of suggestions on how to raise your self-confidence without looking like a prick. Stay tuned for these posts. 

What exactly is "self-confidence"? Yesterday I discussed what I think it looks like, but here is the actual definition:

Self-Confidence has two contributors: Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem. Self-Efficacy is gained when we see ourselves mastering skills and accomplishing goals that matter to us. Having this kind of confidence assures us that, if we work hard and are willing to learn in one particular area, we will succeed. It also helps us deal with and accept difficult challenges and helps us to keep going and pushing forward when we encounter setbacks. Self-Esteem is a more general sense that overlaps with this. Self-Esteem helps us cope with what is going on with our lives and reminds us that we have a right to be happy. Part of this can come from the people around us. When the people in our lives approve of us by loving, encouraging, and supporting the things we do, we feel good about doing it, but depending on that feeling of approval is risky, because it is not always in our control. True self-esteem comes from feeling good about what we do, knowing that what we are doing is right and virtuous, knowing that we are capable of doing what we are doing, and knowing that we can do anything we put our minds to and we will be successful. 

Doesn't that just sound ideal? I want that! Unfortunately I can't just put this atop my Christmas list and hope Santa deems me a good girl this year. Like I said before, it can only be something I find for myself from within.

Just to start to you with something to think about until the next post!

Happy pondering!