Confidence- the art of having faith in ourself

Confidence means believing in yourself and in your abilities – not in an arrogant way, but in a realistic secure way. Confidence isn’t about feeling superior to others, It’s a quiet inner knowledge that you’re capable. Confidence helps us realize our capabilities. Confidence helps us feel ready for life’s experiences. When we’re confident, we’re more likely to move forward with people and opportunities- not back away from them.  And if things don’t work out at first, confidence helps us try again. Confidence gives us perseverance- the ability to keep going after a failure.

Confidence helps us stay on our path and not to go astray. Many hurdles and problems may block our way and discourages, but if we have confidence, we will not let these hurdles stop us, instead we will search for an alternate path to our goal. Our confidence on our strengths and abilities gives us the capacity to take risks.  From where do we get this confidence? Unfortunately, it isn’t a commodity and we cannot buy it from a shop. Money can’t buy confidence for us. We have to work hard to develop it.

Let us try to understand this with the example of a little bird and the branch.

          The Little Bird and the Branch

Once a little bird landed on a branch high up a tall tree. The jungle below was full of dangerous predators but at this height, they posed no danger to the little bird. Feeling safe and protected, the little bird rested, enjoying the beautiful view around, and feeling completely at peace. Just as the bird became used to the branch, a strong wind started blowing, shaking the entire tree. The tree swayed with such intensity that it appeared the branch would break and fall down.To other animals, his could be a matter of great worry, but the little bird was not worried. Do you know why? Because the little bird knew its own powers and strengths. Even if the branch was to fall down, the bird knew that it had wings and the ability to fly. And the bird was also aware that if this branch was to fall, there are many other branches that could be used instead. Therefore, the bird, though tiny in size, sat on the branch, braving the high wind. The animals below, all of them much stronger than the bird, were filled with much admiration for this courageous little creature who was braving difficult circumstances.

The story of this small bird tells us a lot about our own self-confidence and courage. If one road is blocked there are others we can follow. And if there are no new roads, there’s always the earth on which we can make a new road.

When we start believing in our own power and energy we will find there are many branches and trees available for our safety and security.  But such security and safety measures do not always last. Long-lasting and permanent measures rest within ourselves in the form of self-esteem and belief in our own capabilities. If we believe that we can overcome any setback, we will fear nothing. And when we are secure in this knowledge, we are not afraid to be ourselves in any situation.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”                                                                                                                  -Hellen Keller