Confidence is Silent

By: Jennielee Hilario Rivera

Confidence is a quality that we desire to have in ourselves and often seek in others. It is a feeling of certainty and self-assurance that helps us tackle challenges and pursue our goals with determination. 

We often perceive confidence as being loud and boisterous—always speaking one's mind and taking up space in a room. While being outgoing can be a sign of confidence, it is not the only way to demonstrate it. True confidence is not about being loud or showy. Instead, it’s something that comes from within.

Confidence Starts With Us

Confidence is not about the way that we present ourselves to others. It is easy to assume that those who are outgoing, charismatic, and extroverted are inherently confident. Sure, they may be able to captivate an audience, command attention, and easily make friends, but this does not mean they are any more confident than someone who is introverted and reserved. Confidence is not about the impression we make on others, but rather the trust we have in our own abilities and worth.

Make It Or Break It

True confidence is about being comfortable with who we are as individuals. It is common to compare ourselves to others and wish we had their skills, talents, or looks. We may try to mimic their behaviors or change ourselves to be more like them. This approach is counterproductive to building true confidence, though. 

Being confident means accepting ourselves as we are, recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and embracing our unique qualities. When we stop trying to be someone else and focus on being authentic, we allow ourselves to be truly confident in our skin and personalities. So instead of imitating others we meet or see on social media, we should instead seek to improve what doesn't make us feel good about ourselves. 

This does not mean that we necessarily have to completely change ourselves. Rather, we should do things that create a good perception of ourselves for ourselves, like doing skincare routines, experimenting with makeup, or maybe going to the gym to work on the parts of our body that we are not satisfied with. All of these activities can not only boost our confidence, but affirm to us as individuals that we are needed in this world.

Our Inner Confidence Comes First

Confidence comes from within. We often look for external validation to boost our confidence, such as compliments or recognition from others. While it is natural to want to be acknowledged for our efforts, true confidence does not come from external factors. Shift your mindset and learn to trust in your own abilities and values, even when others do not recognize them. Learn to rely on your own inner strength rather than seeking validation or praise from others. 

Certainly, confidence requires resilience. It is a common misconception that confident people never doubt themselves or experience setbacks. In reality, everyone experiences self-doubt and failures along the way. Confident people, however, tend to respond to these setbacks in a more resilient way. They are better equipped to bounce back from failure, learn from their mistakes and try again. Having confidence does not mean that we will always succeed, but it does mean that we can handle failure with grace and still believe in ourselves.

Finally, confidence is something that can be developed and strengthened over time. It is not a fixed trait, and we all have the ability to build it up. To do this, it requires self-reflection, positive self-talk, and taking action. We can start by setting small goals for ourselves, celebrating our accomplishments, and taking steps outside of our comfort zones. The more we challenge ourselves, the more we learn to trust in our own abilities and build our confidence. By focusing on building our inner strength, we can become more confident individuals who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.