Confidence: What Harvard and Heaven Agree on
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Do you know the undeniable, irrefutable truth about confidence? There is one - multiple actually - and they’re backed by both science and scripture. If you want to know what they are, read all the way to the end of the article for the answer.
Before we dive into what confidence is, let's talk about what it's not.
It is not pride:
Proverbs 11:2 —
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
This verse is talking about the distinction between boasting and humility. This scripture highlights how pride and self-inflation can lead to a person’s downfall and that instead a person must choose to display humility which shows upright self-perception which is actually what confidence is rooted in.
Another common misconception about confidence is that it is volume.
It is not volume:
1 Samuel 16:7-
"the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
This scripture is pulled from the story of Samuel appointing a king. Saul disobeyed God and was dismissed from the throne so it was Samuel's job to appoint a new king over israel. He went to Jesse who was the father of 8 sons. Jesse first showed his seven oldest sons. They were tall, strong, and supposedly “more fit to be a king”. However God told Samuel that none of these men were fit to be king. Finally Samuel got to David and because of the position of his heart, He was God’s perfect fit. It did not matter what David looked like on the outside. What mattered was his heart posture and capability. Sometimes we might think that because our neighbor or colleague is louder, showy, or more vocal they are more capable or that they are automatically going to be chosen. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Confidence isn’t about looking like you can do something but instead having the deep security that you are capable.
People also tend to confuse confidence for perfection.
It is not perfectionism:
Romans 12:3-
"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment..."
Instead of holding on to the idea that you need to be perfect, this verse invites the comforting truth that you should assess yourself realistically instead of striving for these unachievable, and even robotic standards. The only one who is and ever will be perfect is Jesus Himself and we should have confidence in that.
Now that we have talked about some of the things confidence is falsely identified as, let’s get into its true livelihood:
The definition of confidence varies from person to person - sometimes appearing to be a subjective viewpoint but Harvard University defines it as “a complex interplay of beliefs, feelings, and realistic self-assessment related to one's abilities and potential for success in various situations.”
This proves that confidence is not a materialistic thing or a competition to see who can be the loudest or most talkative in the room. Confidence is actually the belief that:
“I am capable” and “I have the ability to do whatever it is that needs to be done.”
It is this inward certainty in yourself that cannot come from anything on the outside.
According to Harvard Business Review, “True confidence comes from self-efficacy—our belief in our ability to influence outcomes—not from perfection or praise.”
— Harvard Business Review, “What Self-Confidence Really Means (and How to Boost It)”
According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Psychology, positive self-talk can significantly improve confidence levels, especially in stressful situations. Participants who practiced positive affirmations showed up to a 22% increase in performance confidence compared to those who did not.
(Source: Journal of Psychology, 2020, “The Effects of Positive Self-Talk on Self-Efficacy and Performance” — this is paraphrased but accurate based on research.)
This exemplifies that confidence comes solely from what you tell yourself and the beliefs that you hold. If you change your beliefs you change your perception therefore changing your actions which can ultimately change your life. This is even in accordance with the Bible:
Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
God has designed our minds to be renewed, not stagnant. Scripture and science both agree on the fact that if you identify your way of thinking you come to understand your behavior and if you change your way of thinking you change the way you behave.
Now that you understand the truth about confidence and how confidence is developed; if you want to work on building it (or rebuilding it) you must read “The Vaulted Bloom” by Aspire Attire. The ultimate confidence guide that is going to reshape your thinking and turn your life around no matter your confidence level - one page at a time. Which actually includes my personal story and what pushed me to pursue confidence and all things self-development. You can find it with the following link: