Self-confidence
in one's owns ability to carry out tasks is an attitude that
allows individuals to have a positive yet realistic view of
themselves and their situations. Self-confident people trust
their own abilities, have a general sense of control in their
lives, and believe that, within reason, they can do what they
want, plan and expect.
People
who are not self-confident depend excessively on the approval
of others in order to feel good about themselves. They tend
to avoid taking risks because they fear failure. They generally
do not expect to be successful. They often put themselves down
and tend to discount or ignore compliments paid to them. By
contrast, self-confident people are willing to risk the disapproval
of others because they generally trust their own abilities.
They tend to accept themselves; they don't feel they have to
conform in order to be accepted.
Self-confidence
does not necessarily extend to all aspects of a person's life.
Typically, individuals will have some areas of their lives where
they feel quite confident, for example, intellect or sportsmanship,
while at the same time not feel confident in other areas, for
example, personal appearance or social relations.
How
self-confidence is initially developed?
Many
factors affect the development of self-confidence. Parents'
attitudes are crucial, particularly in one's early years. When
parents show acceptance, a child receives a solid foundation
from which to feel good about themselves. If one or both parents
are excessively critical or demanding, or if they are overprotective
and discourage independence, a child may come to believe they
are incapable, inadequate, or inferior. However, if parents
encourage self-reliance and accept and love their children when
they make mistakes, a child will learn to accept themselves
and will be on their way to developing self-confidence.
Surprisingly,
lack of self-confidence is not necessarily related to lack of
ability. Instead it is often the result of focusing too much
on the unrealistic expectations or standards of others, especially
parents and society. Friends' influences can be as powerful,
or more powerful, than those of parents and society in shaping
feelings about one's self.
There
are many techniques that can be used to remove the barriers
that may be affecting self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.
Management Stress Centre can help improve your self-confidence
by finding out when you began to have doubts about yourself,
and perhaps influencing your subconscious to become more trusting
of your own abilities. Once key issues have been viewed and
realisation made, we can assist in rebuild confidence and resilience.
