Confidence is such a powerful word and expression. Unfortunately, many people use this word too loosely! What is confidence? Why do we need confidence? Or what does confidence do? Let’s not go by the dictionary meaning, in fact let’s not try to define anything here! Confidence can be a feeling, an emotion, a skill or a capability. The meaning varies from person to person and from situation to situation. It is closely related to self-esteem. Self-esteem is what we think about our self and confidence is what helps us project those feelings. 

Let’s take a few examples, as a child confidence could mean riding a bike alone or standing and reciting a rhyme in front of an audience,. As we grow up confidence could be going for our first interview or expressing our feelings for someone. The meaning of confidence keeps changing but what is important to understand here is that it is something inside us, something we all have and something that all of us possess and can access. Yes, there are times we lose confidence but that’s not because it stops existing but because we stop seeing it or experiencing it. 

Coming back to self-esteem. Self-esteem is how we see ourselves. People with low self-esteem tend to not believe in their own capabilities, they don’t see the good in them and as a result lose the confidence to go ahead and challenge themselves. On the other hand, people with high self- esteem realise their own strengths and positives and as a result they have the confidence to make mountains move! So, it’s really important to build a positive self-esteem to build great confidence. 

Believe in yourself, know your capabilities and also know your weaknesses. We are all powerful and wonderful in our own ways and more than anyone else it is important for us to see our own true self. Consider working with a therapist to find your positives and let these give you the confidence to take on life. Life is challenging and it is only confidence in oneself and sometimes a confidence in the people around us that helps us sail through these challenges. 

Warmest

Sam

Samantha Carbon
samanthacarbon@yahoo.co.uk
Psychotherapist - MSc Psych, CTA (P), UKCP, MBACP
Clinical Supervisor
Mobile: 07938435233
www.bakerstreettherapy.com
www.samanthcarbontherapy.co.uk