Confidence is often considered the invisible yet essential currency for success in both personal and professional spheres. It influences the way individuals perceive themselves and how others respond to them. Research from psychology and neuroscience reveals that confidence is more than just a feeling; it is a dynamic, learnable skill embedded within the conscious and unconscious mind (Fleming, 2024; Robertson, 2021).
Why does confidence matter? What are the psychological layers underpinning it? What are strategies to cultivate it?
Why Confidence Matters: How it is Related to Mental Health and Success
Confidence plays a critical role in goal-setting, resilience, and interpersonal interactions. It allows individuals to manage uncertainty and face challenges with the belief that they can achieve favorable outcomes (Robertson, 2021). Studies show that high self-confidence not only improves task performance but also facilitates decision-making and reduces stress. Without confidence, even the most competent individuals may hesitate, undermining their potential for success (Fleming, 2024).
Moreover, confidence operates cyclically; those with higher confidence levels tend to attract positive social feedback, reinforcing their self-belief and encouraging further growth (Robertson, 2021). This phenomenon reflects the self-fulfilling nature of confidence: success breeds more confidence, which in turn facilitates greater success.
The Psychological Foundations of Confidence
Confidence is multilayered, residing within both the conscious and unconscious mind. At the conscious level, it involves self-awareness, goal-setting, and performance monitoring—often referred to as metacognition. Metacognitive skills enable individuals to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, enhancing their ability to perform confidently (Fleming, 2024).
At an unconscious level, psychodynamic theories suggest that confidence may be influenced by underlying self-concepts formed in early childhood. Carl Jung’s notion of the “persona” offers valuable insight here. The persona represents the social mask individuals present to the world, a constructed identity that often contrasts with the inner self (Jung, 1953/1971).
Confidence, in many cases, involves stepping into this persona to manage societal expectations and perform roles effectively. This dynamic highlights how confidence can sometimes feel like an alter ego—an adaptive strategy to navigate social challenges.
Personal Experience: The Art of Faking Confidence
As a former professional Muay Thai fighter, I vividly recall how confidence was not just a mental state but a deliberate action. Entering the ring, I carried myself with what others called a “poker face”—a calm, somewhat composed expression that concealed any inner concerns I was having. This wasn’t just about appearing strong; it was an alter ego I adopted, a persona designed to protect and empower me, helping me create a strong inner dialogue, which became the foundational underpinnings of my fierceness and fearlessness.
This practice extended into my professional life, where societal expectations surrounding gender and youth often influenced how people responded to me. Being young and female meant navigating implicit biases, making confidence even more crucial. Observing others’ reactions and adjusting my behavior became a subtle yet essential skill. Over time, this deliberate “manipulation” of confidence evolved into genuine self-belief—a process known as the “fake it until you make it” phenomenon.
Who Has Confidence, and Can It Be Learned?
Confidence is not innate but can be developed and strengthened through practice and intentional effort. Research shows that confidence-building involves setting small, achievable goals and celebrating progress, which reinforces positive self-beliefs (Robertson, 2021). Additionally, the neuroscience of neuroplasticity suggests that the brain can rewire itself through repeated experiences, enabling individuals to cultivate confidence over time (Fleming, 2024).
Authentic confidence requires intentional practice, built through conscious strategies and deeper psychological insights. This framework offers research-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and neuroscience to transform self-doubt into sustainable self-assurance.
- Restructure Negative Thoughts: Flipping PerceptionsCBT focuses on identifying and challenging automatic negative thoughts. Self-doubt often arises from distorted beliefs. To break this cycle:
- Situation Analysis: Ask, What is happening? What am I thinking?
- Example: “I’ll fail this presentation.”
- Identify Beliefs: What fears are driving this thought? Are they linked to past experiences or insecurities?
- Flip Perceptions: Ask, What evidence supports this belief? What contradicts it? Use the 50-50 rule: assume the possibility that your belief is wrong.
- New Perspective: Shift focus towards potential positive outcomes: “Even if it’s not perfect, it’s a learning opportunity.”
- Situation Analysis: Ask, What is happening? What am I thinking?
- Spotlight and Redirect CognitionConfirmation bias—our tendency to seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs—often undermines confidence. To disrupt this pattern:
- Spotlight Positive Moments: Focus on neutral or subtle positive feedback, like the absence of criticism.
- Redirect Focus: Engage in unrelated, stimulating tasks when stuck in negative thought loops, reinforcing new mental patterns (Robertson, 2021).
- Journal with MetacognitionJournalling encourages reflective thinking, helping identify thought patterns. Use prompts to deepen self-awareness:
- What did I feel confident about today?
- What triggered self-doubt?
- What evidence do I have to challenge negative beliefs?
- Be Mindful; Love ThyselfRather than eliminating self-doubt, confidence involves managing it effectively.
- Pause Criticism: When self-judgement arises, pause and acknowledge it.
- Reframe with Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness: “It’s okay to struggle; this doesn’t define me.”
- Practice Presence: Observe emotions without attachment. Recognise the influences around you. INSTEAD OF“I shouldn’t feel anxious” say, “I notice I’m anxious” (Robertson, 2021).
- Build Confidence via ActionConfidence develops through action, even before you feel ready.
- Micro-goals: Set small, achievable steps like initiating conversations or setting boundaries.
- Gradual Exposure: Ease into anxiety-inducing situations—speak to a friend before presenting to a large group.
- Align Persona and Self: Psychodynamic IntegrationAccording to Carl Jung, true confidence emerges when the persona aligns with the authentic self.
- Shadow Work: Explore parts of yourself you avoid—like hidden fears or ambitions.
- Integrate Vulnerabilities: Confidence isn’t about erasing insecurities but embracing them as part of your whole self (Jung, 1953/1971).
Confidence is not a static trait but a dynamic, multifaceted skill that can be developed through conscious practice and introspection. Confidence plays a crucial role in personal and professional success, influencing the way individuals interact with the world, manage challenges and navigate mental health. From adopting a persona to mastering metacognitive skills, confidence offers a pathway to achieving one’s full potential. I, for one, know the act of “faking” confidence can be a powerful catalyst for genuine self-belief, unlocking new levels of growth and fulfillment.
What strategies have you found effective in boosting your self-confidence? Share your thoughts in the comment! OR, if you need support or want to book a free phone consultation, reach out directly to gabrielle@onpointpsychotherapy.com. I’m also contactable via phone and WhatsApp at +61 466 160 115, and on Instagram @gabrielle_onpoint. I look forward to hearing about your unique stories!
References
Fleming, S. M. (2024). Metacognition and confidence: A review and synthesis. Annual Review of Psychology, 75(1), (11.1-11.28). https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-022423-032425
Jung, C. G. (1971). Psychological types (R.F.C. Hull, Trans.). Princeton University Press. (Original work published 1953)
Robertson, I. (2021). How confidence works: The new science of self-belief, why some people learn it and others don’t. Center for BrainHealth. Retrieved from https://centerforbrainhealth.org
Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky
Psychotherapy and Counselling Professional
Certified PACFA Counsellor
