Our belief in ourselves has a profound effect on our confidence and on our lives. If a person believes that he lacks basic skills to solve problems, then they have made it is all too easy to give up. In contrast, a person who has less abilities but who believes in himself stands a much better chance of achieving their goals because their self-belief gives them confidence.
Have you ever wondered why only a few students in a class ask questions? More often, than not, it is the fear of making a fool of themselves that stops students from asking questions. In other words, they lack self-confidence. The only way this confidence can improve is when they start believing in themselves.
That is why self-belief is so important. It gives an individual the confidence to aim for the moon. It overcomes the negative thoughts and drives away the fear of failure. It gives the students the confidence that they have nothing to lose. On the contrary, they realize that they have everything to gain by asking a question.
Abraham Lincoln is a fine example of a man who believed in himself. He lost every election until he went to the Senate and stood for the post of the President. He did not allow his failures in professional and personal life to erode his self-belief. Had he done so our country’s history would have been different.
Self-belief shows us the importance of positive thinking. Those who have self-esteem don't talk about failures; instead, they try to find out what didn’t work. They look for lessons that can be learnt from their experience. This is not a just semantics. It is the power of positive thinking, and it is evident in those who have self-esteem.
Self-esteem that gives us the confidence to enter a new group and become a part of it. Those who lack self-esteem are very reluctant to approach a new group. They don't want to expose themselves and would instead prefer to stay in their corners.
In fact, lack of self-esteem stands out like a sore thumb at parties, at meetings, at conferences and at social or official functions. Individuals with low self-esteem avoid introducing themselves to others. They prefer to stay in the shadows, away from the sights of others. Their colleagues who have self-esteem are also invited to attend other meetings and parties -- all because their self-esteem gives them the confidence to open up before a group of strangers. It is the same student syndrome that is reflected in an individual's working life too.
As individuals, we need to develop self-belief and the confidence that we are as good as others. We must realize that everyone has strong and weak points. The only difference is that the people with self-esteem project their strong points whereas those without self-esteem, project their weak points.
All that is needed is to refocus your priorities and find your self-confidence.