Confidence

Like many things in life that are perceived traits possessed by some who are "born with it" confidence, like talent, is an interesting concept. It is a fragile thing, but a factor that can make or break us. With it life can be just a bit easier. We know that we can overcome the problems ahead of us, and the variables in life seem a bit less daunting. Without it success is difficult. Little problems seem to compound, keeping us from reaching new heights. The thing about confidence is that it is a skill. One that can be practiced and constructed.

Confidence is analogous to many other things that we practice in life. It is ingrained in the many things we do for work and play. Continually practicing our skills with humility and deliberate focus on making corrections for improvement lead to a making ourselves a little bit better every day. In Weightlifting you don't come into the gym on the first day and expect to snatch 100 kilos. Your first round of golf isn't going to be 18 birdies. You come in expecting to find your starting point, realizing that your goal from that day forward is to get a little bit better in some form.

In some ways the concept of confidence can become paradoxical. One day you will hit a wall. A wall you "knew" you would get over, but when it came time to cross you failed. That ball that had been rolling steadily for some time began to turn back at you. At this time you may have to start over. This is one of the things that is so difficult in life. Starting over is perceived to be a total loss, a waste of time, you have failed. In reality you haven't as long as you learned along the way. Confidence is knowing that a reset will one day be required, but you will be able to push through your plateaus.

There are a lot things that an individual can do to build there confidence. The power of positive self talk can go a long way. Others around you may praise you or disdain you, but in most cases its one's own beliefs that make the difference. That being said don't stifle people. You never know what someone is capable of.

"Believe in yourself, because if you don't, who will?"