What is Confidence, and Why Does it Matter?

Wondering what confidence is and why does it matter? Have you heard different definitions from different people that leave you confused and contemplating the meaning of confidence? If so, you have come to the right place. First and foremost, did you know that confidence isn’t something we’re born with?

Contrary to popular belief, confidence isn’t just about how well you speak in front of an audience. Confidence is about trusting that with practice, you can grow and get better at anything you set your mind to (be it speaking in front of others or anything for that matter)! This redefined interpretation allows children to view confidence as something that can be developed with actions of practice rather than a trait they either have or don’t. This crucial understanding helps kids make better choices, try new things, and simply keep going when things get tough.

Confidence is pivotal because it can be life-changing for all students.

Redefining What Confidence Is
According to the traditional definition, confidence is an innate quality that helps you feel self-assured in any situation. However, this definition is outdated as it misses an important element necessary for growth: our ability to take action and move toward our goals.

At A Confident Mindset™, we redefine confidence as a feeling of optimism and trust in one's abilities. Confidence is not something you are born with; it is something that can be acquired through actions of practice. By understanding that confidence is not what you start out with, but it is a feeling that is developed through consistent practice, we open the door for everyone - especially children - to develop it, regardless of their starting point.

Why Does Confidence Matter?
Confidence is important for coping with life transitions and unique experiences. Children's understanding and internalization of the new definition of confidence helps them handle setbacks better. It allows them to stand strong and try again if they fail at something.

We know that our life paths are made up of decisions we make throughout our lives. If a child wants to pursue a skill, a passion, or a dream, with the right practice and support, he/she can take steps in that direction - with each step, he/she is building his/her confidence.

Steps to Build Confidence in Any Learner
Confidence building is doable! Any child can become confident irrespective of their starting point by following our 6-step proven methodology. This methodology is based on 3 pillars - with each pillar having two underlying steps. Here are three main pillars and six steps that lead to confidence development.

Pillar 1: Courage
The first thing you need to do is trust your abilities and have enough courage to try something new without fearing failure. This pillar has two steps to empower yourself.

Step 1: Believe In Yourself
Confidence building starts with taking the time to understand one’s strengths and areas for growth.

Step 2: Face Your Fear
People often fear failure, but it’s just part of the process! It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous or afraid when trying something new. Don’t let that stop you from giving it a shot and learning how to cope. Our methodology encourages children to understand the reason for their fear - and know that they don’t have to overcome it; rather, they simply have coping mechanisms to face their fears. Build resilience now to make future challenges easier to handle.

Pillar 2: Character
While building confidence, your character is shaped by how you treat yourself and others. Courage with character gives you a positive direction and encourages intrinsic motivation. This pillar also comprises two steps:

Step 3: Be Good to Yourself
Being good to yourself starts with practicing self-compassion. Having gratitude for what we have is being good to yourself and also boosts our self-belief.

Step 4: Be Good to Others
Positive character traits should also include treating others with respect and empathy. With a positive attitude, your students can build confidence.

Pillar 3: Commitment
The level of confidence is shaped by how your students practice. Stay committed to the process, and keep practicing until you feel confident.

Step 5: Practice Regularly
Practice is the key to mastering anything, and that includes building confidence. Regular practice plays a major role in achieving stable and strong confidence. Showing consistency against life challenges can help your students or children make improvements.

Step 6: Get Better at Practice
If students want to refine their practice to achieve mastery, they can get support and guidance from mentors. Timely feedback can accelerate their progress and help their confidence grow. So, adjust your approach and pave your way toward developing a confident mindset.

Why Is Confidence An Important Mindset?
Life is full of challenges, and overcoming them becomes even harder without a mindset of confidence. Believing in yourself is the first step towards building confidence.
Confidence not only helps you handle your own challenges but also enables you to support others when they need it. That's why building confidence is so important for navigating life.

What Are the Benefits of Developing Confidence?
Developing confidence can change a child’s life because it encourages them to say “why not,” to opportunities rather than saying “why?” - “why should I do this?”
Knowing that one does not need to start with confidence - rather, one needs to believe in oneself and have the courage to face one’s fears, which helps one unlock their full potential.

Why is Confidence the Key to Success?
People who are confident in their abilities see difficult challenges as challenges to be overcome, not threats to be avoided. You set ambitious goals and continue to work at them with enthusiasm. Confident people persevere and keep trying in all conditions, irrespective of the outcome.

Conclusion
All in all, having a mindset of confidence can help one cope with many life challenges. To uplift your confidence, you can practice how to overcome your fear and face challenges. The right guidelines from the right mentor can change your life. To bring a positive change, you can connect with A Confident Mindset™. We help you develop the mindset and confidence of your students with proper guidelines and resources. You can book a FREE session with Namita Prasad about the importance of confidence and having a “why not” approach to life.