WHAT separates achievers from non-achievers and survivors from victims? The “feeling or belief that they can do something well or succeed at something” whatever the circumstances – self-confidence! People with a high level of confidence are not easily swayed by others’ opinions. In fact, they know themselves and their capabilities too well to even give a hoot about what bashers, bullies, and critics say.
They never lose their enthusiasm even after a series of failures… well, maybe for a brief period, because they’re only human, but after some time, they bounce back with more energy and optimism than before. Although they may be deeply hurt and disappointed, they are aware that life is a series of choices, and they move on to the next phase. They refuse to get stuck. Do you know people with the same characteristics? How did they do it?
They know how to focus on what they still have. They don’t stop developing themselves and boosting their self-confidence. There are different factors that will cause it to wane (setbacks, mistakes, criticisms, delays, failures, etc.) so they are on guard.
I do not discount the role of talent, exposure, training (and even luck) in the success of luminaries in different fields like sports, acting, music, and the arts. I still think that nothing is more powerful than people’s belief in themselves and in what they can do. They can develop their raw talent if they have self-confidence. They will find ways to get the needed exposure and training. In contrast, people who have low self-confidence are quick to find excuses. They just settle with what life offers them. They are not willing to take any risks. As Barry Manilow’s song says, they “live in a shell/No jolts, no surprises/No crisis arises… life goes along as it should/It’s all very nice but not very good”.
What are the things that you still want to do and achieve? What keeps you from acting on them? If you had only one year to live, how would you spend it?
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” (Golda Meir)
How can you boost your self-confidence? That will be the subject of my column next week.
Always read TEMPO for articles that inform, inspire, and equip!
Marilyn Arayata: inspirational author, columnist, speaker, and former DLSU-D faculty, your partner in preventing bullying, depression, and suicide. E-mail [email protected]. Like the Hope Boosters Facebook Page for nuggets of hope and inspiration.
