Confidence

Summary

This lecture explores the concept of confidence, dividing it into personal and performance types. Personal confidence comes from internal validation and life achievements, while performance confidence fluctuates based on external factors. The speaker stresses the importance of trusting one's method, practicing positive self-talk, and setting goals. Using examples from sports figures like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, the lecture emphasizes how champions maintain confidence during high-pressure situations. Practical exercises include affirming personal strengths and replacing negative thoughts with productive alternatives to build and sustain confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confidence is divided into two types: personal confidence (based on self-worth and achievements) and performance confidence (which fluctuates based on circumstances).
• 😀 Personal confidence is built through life experiences and accomplishments, while performance confidence ebbs and flows based on current performance.
• 😀 Legendary athletes like Tiger Woods exhibit performance confidence that fluctuates; at their best, they dominate, while at their worst, they can struggle.
• 😀 A champion golfer focuses on their strengths and uses poor play as a learning opportunity rather than dwelling on it. Tom Kite's mindset is an example of this.
• 😀 Confidence is a choice: Choose to believe in your method, trust yourself in challenging situations, and embrace positive self-talk.
• 😀 Michael Jordan's confidence in high-pressure moments, like the national championship, illustrates the power of trusting yourself in critical situations.
• 😀 Positive self-talk is crucial for maintaining confidence; it's more difficult to be positive than negative, but it's essential for growth.
• 😀 Be a 'mapmaker' by setting clear goals and planning how to achieve them. Setting goals is a vital component of building confidence.
• 😀 Writing down and reviewing your achievements and positive traits (your 'aspirations') can boost confidence over time. Aim for at least 35 affirmations.
• 😀 Faulty thinking, such as worrying about others' opinions or thinking in all-or-nothing terms, undermines confidence. Replacing these thoughts with productive alternatives is essential.
• 😀 To combat faulty thinking, identify negative influences on your mood, analyze your thoughts, and replace them with more productive, solution-focused perspectives.

Q & A

What are the two types of confidence discussed in the lecture?

The two types of confidence discussed are personal confidence and performance confidence. Personal confidence is developed from life experiences and self-worth, while performance confidence fluctuates based on current performance.

How does personal confidence differ from performance confidence?

Personal confidence is stable and based on what an individual has achieved or experienced in life. Performance confidence, on the other hand, is more volatile and changes based on current performance, such as an athlete’s success or failure in a particular event.

Can you provide an example of someone whose performance confidence fluctuates?

Yes, the speaker mentions Tiger Woods as an example. When his confidence was high, he was unbeatable; however, when his confidence was low, his performance suffered, reflecting the ebb and flow of performance confidence.

What advice does the speaker give regarding focusing on strengths versus weaknesses?

The speaker advises focusing on strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses. Champions focus on their strengths and channel mental energy into their process, not the outcome, learning from poor performances rather than ruminating on them.

Why is goal-setting important in building confidence?

Goal-setting is important because it provides direction and purpose. By setting clear goals, individuals create a roadmap for success, which in turn strengthens their confidence. The speaker uses examples like Philip Arkin and his goal of winning the British Amateur to demonstrate the power of goal-setting.

What is the significance of positive self-talk in building confidence?

Positive self-talk is essential for maintaining confidence. The speaker emphasizes that negative self-talk is easy but unproductive. Choosing to focus on positive aspects, even in failure, helps boost self-esteem and improve performance.

What is meant by being a 'mapmaker' in the context of confidence?

Being a 'mapmaker' means setting clear goals and creating a detailed plan to achieve them. This approach helps individuals focus on actionable steps rather than being overwhelmed by obstacles, thereby enhancing their confidence.

How can writing down affirmations help with confidence?

Writing down affirmations helps individuals recognize and appreciate their positive qualities. The speaker encourages students to create a list of things they like about themselves, which they can refer to when feeling low, thus building self-esteem over time.

What is the role of 'faulty thinking' in undermining confidence?

Faulty thinking involves negative thought patterns such as worrying about what others think of you or engaging in 'all-or-nothing' thinking. These cognitive distortions can diminish confidence, so it’s important to recognize and replace them with more productive, realistic thoughts.

What does the speaker suggest about dealing with negative feedback from others?

The speaker suggests 'considering the source' when receiving negative feedback. If the person offering the feedback is someone you respect, it’s worth considering their perspective. However, if the feedback is from someone you don’t value, it’s best to disregard it.