CALE Learning Enhancement

Eastern Washington University

Confidence

What is Confidence?confidence

Confidence is the belief in your ability to successfully execute an action given the circumstances. Essentially, self-confidence is being certain of your own abilities. Self confidence is not 1) what you tell others, 2) pride in past efforts, or 3)arrogance. Self-confidence is your inner-most thoughts about how you judge your abilities. Self-confidence comes from hard work, quality practice, belief in your technique, and trust.

General Confidence Tips

  • Say stop to your inner critic
  • Utilize healthier motivation habits
  • Write down things you like about yourself
  • Handle mistakes and failures in a more positive way
  • Try something new
  • Spend more time with supportive people
  • Don’t compare yourself to other people
  • Adapted from:
    • How to Improve Your Self-Esteem by Edberg (2013)

The Wall of Confidence

Imagine your self-confidence as a wall. In order to be confident, you need ‘stuff’ to be confident in. your bricks (foundation) need to be made of strong material.

How can you build your wall of confidence?wall of confidence
  • Set and achieve goals
  • Build upon previous accomplishments
  • Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself
  • Be willing to be bold and pursue excellence
  • Surround yourself with people that encourage you
  • Visualize yourself succeeding
  • Proper preparation
  • Persistence and Repetition- self-confidence is a skill that needs practice!
  • Focus on your strengths
  • Observe how others have been successful

Consequences of Self-Confidence

  • More relaxationconfidence2
  • Clearer concentration
  • Seek tougher challenges
  • Increase in effort
  • More persistence
  • More successful performance

Activities to Build Self-Confidence

  • Write yourself a ‘brag’ letter.
    • Write down everything you are good at – your learned skills, abilities, talents, gifts, personal charateritics, personality strengths, etc.
    • Write down your past accomplishments – school, sports, theater, volunteer work, art, music, etc.
    • Refer to this list often and place it somewhere you can see it frequently.
  • Try this excellent Self-Confidence Exercise

For a handout on Confidence download the Confidence Handout

Over-Confidence

Word of caution – watch out for over-confidence! There are two types of overconfidence: those who put on a show and those who simply misperceive their abilities. Over-confidence can lead to the development of bad work habits and can lead to looking foolish. Be sure you have the right type of confidence!

Articles on Confidence

Self-Confidence Videos