Confidence, the silent orchestrator of success

• Can you talk in front of 10 people or your classmates?
• Are you comfortable in making a presentation to a hall full of people?
• Do you believe in your ability to crack that competitive exam or build a successful career?

If the answer to the above questions is not a big YES, you are not alone!It is estimated that roughly 85% of people worldwide (adults and adolescents) have low confidence and self-esteem issues. Now that is a very large number! So we must understand the role that confidence plays in our lives and how it is one of the most important ingredients of leading a happy and successful life.

So, what is confidence?

The dictionary defines confidence as a psychological and emotional state characterized by a belief in one's abilities, judgment, and self-worth. It involves feeling self-assured, often leading to a positive outlook and a willingness to take on challenges or risks.

Simply put, confidence is the belief in one’s ability to achieve something. Whether it is winning an athletic race, delivering that impactful presentation, achieving professional success at work or in business. Confidence is what we think about ourselves when no one else is watching. It's the X-factor that sets apart those who excel in life and those who don’t despite all the inherent talent, skills or qualities.

Confidence isn't a mere personality trait; it's the driving force behind the extraordinary. In our own lives, embracing self-belief and nurturing confidence can open doors to success we might never have imagined.

To better understand the pivotal role of confidence, consider these real-world scenarios:

1. The shy musician: A talented musician may possess virtuoso-level skills but remain hesitant to perform in public due to low self-confidence. In this case, it's not the lack of musical talent but the absence of confidence that prevents them from reaching stardom.
2. The cautious entrepreneur: A budding entrepreneur with innovative ideas might hesitate to take the necessary risks because they lack the confidence to pitch their concepts to investors. Here, it's not the absence of a brilliant business idea but the lack of self-belief that hinders success.
3. The gifted athlete: An exceptionally talented athlete may underperform in high-pressure situations due to self-doubt, ultimately costing them the championship. In this instance, it's not the absence of physical prowess but the erosion of confidence that leads to failure.
4. The intelligent student: An exceptional, brainy student with a sharp mind tends to lose confidence in his/her ability and starts to panic seeing the intense competition worrying about success or failure on the day of the exam. He/she may not be able to perform at their peak and thus might lose out ultimately.

The paradox of skill or talent

Confidence, often underestimated and overlooked, is what tips the scales between success and failure, even when individuals possess skill and talent in abundance. In countless life stories, professional journeys, and personal endeavors, it becomes evident that confidence can be the solitary factor determining one's destiny.

Skill and talent are undoubtedly critical foundation upon which one builds competence and mastery in a given field. However, the presence of skill and talent alone does not guarantee success as they are starting points, a canvas upon which one can paint their success story. But they are just that — a starting point. What truly differentiates individuals is what they do with those abilities.

Confidence is the force that transforms potential into performance. It empowers individuals to take action, face challenges, and persevere in the face of adversity. It is the driving factor that determines whether skills and talents will remain dormant or flourish.

The stories of those who have gone before us remind us that with confidence, the potential for greatness knows no bounds. Public life is replete with examples of individuals whose unwavering self-belief propelled them to greatness.

1. Winston Churchill: One of the most iconic leaders of the 20th century, Winston Churchill exuded confidence during the darkest hours of World War II. His unwavering belief in the British people's ability to overcome adversity rallied the nation and ultimately led to victory.
2. Oprah Winfrey: A self-made billionaire and influential media mogul, Oprah Winfrey's meteoric rise is a testament to her confidence and determination. Her belief in her own voice and message inspired millions worldwide.
3. Steve Jobs: The co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, was renowned for his unshakable self-confidence. His belief in his vision for technology changed the world, and his legacy continues to shape the industry.
4. J.K. Rowling: The creator of the Harry Potter series faced numerous rejections before becoming one of the world's most celebrated authors. Her confidence in her storytelling and belief in her characters eventually led to unparalleled success.
5. Malala Yousafzai: Malala's unwavering belief in the power of education and gender equality made her an advocate for girls' education worldwide. Her courage and confidence have inspired a global movement.
6. Elon Musk: The entrepreneur behind SpaceX and Tesla embodies the power of confidence in the realm of innovation. His belief in the future of space exploration and sustainable energy has driven groundbreaking advancements.

The silent orchestrator

Confidence is the silent orchestrator behind many success stories. It's the voice that says, "I can," when others hesitate. It's the spark that transforms potential into reality. While skill and talent lay the foundation, confidence is the bridge that connects them to achievement. It enables individuals to harness their abilities, take action, and persevere in the face of adversity.

If confidence is so critical to human success and happiness, why do so many continue to struggle with it? Why humans are so short of the most important ingredient they need to succeed in this world? What causes low confidence? Is confidence something one is born with? Who is responsible for it? Is it a dynamic or static trait? Can a person of low confidence turn into supreme confidence? How to build and sustain confidence as one goes through life’s inherent struggles?

We will explore these questions in part 2 of this blog…

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About Author

‍Ms. Madhu Jha Pathak is a counseling psychologist and a life coach with Devotus, supporting young adults, working professionals and families for over 20 years. She is also a writer of many children’s stories and is currently working on her book on childhood trauma.