Fake It ‘til You Make It
What do the world's most successful individuals possess that allows them to be so influential? What is it that gives a rock star, a politician, or an athlete the courage to perform in front of thousands, even millions of people, or a business leader the ability to keep churning out product after product that is game-changing but also high risk for his company? For these people to do what they do, they need a strong belief in themselves that allows them to persist in the face of failure and to keep trying, no matter their level of fear. They have an internal drive that tells them that they can succeed, that they have the ability to handle whatever comes their way. Is this characteristic unique? Or is it something common to all?
Another tool that leads to health and success, one that is not external but rather inside of each of us: confidence. Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance coming from appreciation of your own abilities or qualities. It plays an important role in building healthy relationships, achieving success in your professional life, and staying motivated.
This confidence extends to my research and writing ability, as well as how I feel during even the most basic social interactions. What was the key to this newfound strength? It may sound silly, but I actually started acting like I believed in myself.
Build your confidence right now by telling yourself that you've got it in you; the more you believe that you are capable, the more you will be. A placebo effect tells us that expectations alone can be strong enough to overcome diseases and afflictions. A self-fulfilling prophecy shows how your predictions about a situation influence the outcome, so why shouldn't you be able to alter your expectations about your own abilities and experience a renewal of confidence?
To build your confidence, you need to call upon the times when you've triumphed. Try to recall just one of these moments for each moment of failure that plagues you, and you'll find yourself much better off.
And remember that, even when everything else is out of your control, there is one person who should always be on your side: you. If you can depend on yourself, you'll find that other people can, too.
Psychology Today
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