Don't you just love to be around someone who is confident? Not overconfident - just an earned self-confidence. They are usually poised, hopeful and positive. With a sense of certainty, they know their strengths and weaknesses.
A simple definition of the word confidence includes the emotion of faith. The Latin word “fides” is interpreted as having to do with being faithful.
Confidence is also defined to include being certain in your own abilities and having trust in people, plans and the future. Over one hundred years ago William James, who taught psychology at Harvard University, wrote that the reason so many people never fulfill their potential is not because of a lack of intelligence, opportunity or resources, but a lack of belief, or faith, in themselves. Confidence is about the thoughts we think and the actions we take. Success in completing a task will raise confidence.
An action step to build confidence is to realize that you are in control of your thoughts. Pessimistic thoughts come to everyone. Dr. Daniel Amen, who wrote the book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life”, discussed ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) and how, if not controlled, can be harmful to your brain and your confidence.
Confidence levels can be "shaken" and often tested. Do you want to get healthier, lose weight, break bad habits, achieve personal goals and improve your life? Surround yourself with confident people and work hard to remove the ANTS in your thinking.
Be certain in your faith in yourself. Don't quarrel with whatever happened in the past - you are not going that way. The future is yours to create with confidence.
Become one of those confident people that you love to be around - a confident example of healthy living and a positive attitude.
(Originally published in POV Magazine, September 2016)
