The Importance of Confidence on Success
Introduction:
“I am the greatest,” proclaimed Muhammad Ali shortly before his fight with heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston. Ali went on to win both of his matches with Liston, advancing Ali’s record to 21-0 and cementing himself in the record books. What Ali displayed in his pre-fight interviews was pure confidence, which then converted into victory in his boxing matches. After analyzing some of the most influential people throughout history, a correlation emerges between success and healthy self-confidence levels.
Benefits of Having Self-Confidence:
1. Following Your Goals
Possessing greater confidence directly leads to success by pushing one to follow one’s dreams. In many cases, self-confidence is the reassurance that success is possible, whether it means starting a business, playing a sport, or deciding on a career path. Where many people may discourage an idea or choice because of its apparent low chance of success, those confident in themselves pursue their goals regardless.
Muhammad Ali once said “I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was. I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I was really the greatest.” Ali’s insistence that he was talented helped him believe in himself and work towards becoming the greatest boxer of all time.
2. Diminished Fear of Failure
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed when working towards a goal. However, self-confidence can greatly reduce feelings of anxiety. A greater sense of esteem can significantly renew one’s passions and outlook on life.
3. Greater Perseverance
Higher self-confidence improves perseverance by helping the mind realize that setbacks do not define the individual. When a person initially fails to achieve their goal, it’s incredibly tempting to give up and pursue a different option. It takes profound confidence to understand that failures drive our success and growth.
4. Greater Creativity
Self-confidence engenders creativity because it removes the fear of external judgment. When people are confident in pursuing their own ideas, they don’t worry about how others perceive them, nor do they yield to the societal standards that define “strange” ideas.
5. Stronger Relationships
Finally, improved confidence can build stronger relationships. Many are drawn to confident individuals, as it shows strength, happiness, and contentment with their own lives. People want to be a part of the life that confident individuals project as one they’re content with.
Larry Bird’s Confidence:
Before the 1988 3-point contest, three-time league MVP Larry Bird was sitting in a locker room with the other competitors, awaiting their entrance. Bird was confident in his shooting abilities, having already won the 1986 and 1987 3-point contests previously.
However, Bird could sense the nervousness of the other players and asked the silent room, “Who’s coming in second?” The question demonstrated the sheer confidence Bird held within.
During the competition, Bird completed all rounds of play to win his third consecutive 3-point contest award, all while shooting in his warm-up jacket. His skills confirmed his belief in a successful performance.
Conclusion:
Having high levels of self-confidence is incredibly important to ensure long-term motivation, growth, wellbeing, and persistence. Confident individuals situate themselves to be successful by propelling them on the path that embraces both successes and failures.
Sources:
Kozlowski, Joe. “Larry Bird Reveals That a Piece of His Legendary Trash Talk Was a ‘Joke’ - Newsweek.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/larry-bird-reveals-legendary-three-point-contest-trash-talk-was-joke-1871672.
Rovell, Darren. “Muhammad Ali’s 10 Best Quotes - ESPN.” ESPN.Com, ESPN, 3 June 2016, https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/15930888/muhammad-ali-10-best-quotes.
“The 12 Benefits of Increasing Your Self-Confidence.” Home | Executive Leadership Development Coach Speaker | DR. TC NORTH, https://www.tcnorth.com/building-confidence/12-benefits-increasing-self-confidence/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024.
TheKnowledgeAcademy. “14 Benefits of Self-Confidence for Your Success.” PRINCE2 Training, PRINCE2 Courses, ITIL Training and PMP Training - United Kingdom, https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/benefits-of-self-confidence/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024.
“Why Self-Confidence Is More Important Than You Think | Psychology Today.” Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shyness-is-nice/201809/why-self-confidence-is-more-important-you-think. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024.