Placeholder Image

Subtitles section Play video

  • When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you've heard this advice before: "Be more confident."

  • And most likely, this is what you think when you hear it: "If only it were that simple."

  • But what is confidence?

  • Take the belief that you are valuable, worthwhile, and capable, also known as self-esteem.

  • Add in the optimism that comes when you are certain of your abilities, and then empowered by these, act courageously to face a challenge head-on.

  • This is confidence.

  • It turns thoughts into action.

  • So where does confidence even come from?

  • There are several factors that impact confidence.

  • One: what you're born with, such as your genes, which will impact things like the balance of neurochemicals in your brain.

  • Two: how you're treated.

  • This includes the social pressures of your environment.

  • And 3: the part you have control over, the choices you make, the risks you take, and how you think about and respond to challenges and setbacks.

  • It isn't possible to completely untangle these three factors, but the personal choices we make certainly play a major role in confidence development.

  • So, by keeping in mind a few practical tips, we do actually have the power to cultivate our own confidence.

  • Tip 1: a quick fix.

  • There are a few tricks that can give you an immediate confidence boost in the short term.

  • Picture your success when you're beginning a difficult task, something as simple as listening to music with deep bass; it can promote feelings of power.

  • You can even strike a powerful pose or give yourself a pep talk.

  • Tip 2: believe in your ability to improve.

  • If you're looking for a long-term change, consider the way you think about your abilities and talents.

  • Do you think they are fixed at birth, or that they can be developed, like a muscle?

  • These beliefs matter because they can influence how you act when you're faced with setbacks.

  • If you have a fixed mindset, meaning that you think your talents are locked in place, you might give up, assuming you've discovered something you're not very good at.

  • But if you have a growth mindset and think your abilities can improve, a challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

  • Neuroscience supports the growth mindset.

  • The connections in your brain do get stronger and grow with study and practice.

  • It also turns out, on average, people who have a growth mindset are more successful, getting better grades, and doing better in the face of challenges.

  • Tip 3: practice failure.

  • Face it, you're going to fail sometimes.

  • Everyone does.

  • J.K. Rowling was rejected by twelve different publishers before one picked up "Harry Potter."

  • The Wright Brothers built on history's failed attempts at flight, including some of their own, before designing a successful airplane.

  • Studies show that those who fail regularly and keep trying anyway are better equipped to respond to challenges and setbacks in a constructive way.

  • They learn how to try different strategies, ask others for advice, and persevere.

  • So, think of a challenge you want to take on, realize it's not going to be easy, accept that you'll make mistakes, and be kind to yourself when you do.

  • Give yourself a pep talk, stand up, and go for it.

  • The excitement you'll feel knowing that whatever the result, you'll have gained greater knowledge and understanding.

  • This is confidence.

When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you've heard this advice before: "Be more confident."

Subtitles and vocabulary

Click the word to look it up Click the word to find further inforamtion about it