Chapter 6.3 Confidence

Confidence

The mixture of Faith and Self-Acceptance yields a strong cement of Confidence to build the next layers of our house.

“Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with a sure hope and trust in itself.”

Marcus Cicero (106 BC-43 BC)   Ancient Roman Scholar, Orator and Statesman

Confidence is the Faith you have in yourself. It is knowing … and I do  mean knowing … what you are going to do, and when you do it, you know that it is the right thing. Confidence cannot be seen, but it can be sensed. We tend to believe and follow people who have confidence in themselves.

Probably the most attractive attribute of another person is their confidence, not arrogance, confidence. In the long run it is not their beautiful looks, their chiseled body, their sharp intellect. If the person knows himself, has a sense of direction and success, she’s a keeper.

“If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”

Marcus Cicero (106 BC-43 BC)   Ancient Roman Scholar, Orator and Statesman

We are most confident when we know our subject, or have had prior experience in the situation. I have found that my best speeches or discussions are when I know my subject, when I have prepared myself well. I’m just not good at faking it. How much should you prepare?

“I’m just preparing my impromptu remarks.”

Winston Churchill (1874-1965)    British Prime Minister

I’ve already spoken to the importance of confidence in sports, but I have to believe that confidence makes a huge difference in battle. If a soldier doesn’t think that they will conquer, they certainly will be unable to muster the adrenalin to succeed. Fear breeds uncertainty, uncertainty yields inaction.

“Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.”

Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973)   American Fighter Pilot WWI

Many of my recent readings, fictional and non-fictional, reference the importance of being a warrior. What I have learned, and what I can pass on to you, is that the best way to not fall into the depths of despair that lay below the Plateau of Positive+ is …. to just not fall off. You cannot allow yourself to give up or give in. You must have the courage to trust yourself unequivocally.

“Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.”

Clare Booth Luce  (1903-1987)     American Playwright and Congresswoman

Confidence is born in knowing that you are doing the right thing. If you second-guess yourself, you will not give your full effort. Wins and losses in any endeavor often comes down to how bad you want it, how much effort you are willing to give.  If you believe that it is worth fighting for, then prepare yourself well and pursue it greatly. Don’t think of failure; only think of success.

“If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.”

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)    Hindu Indian Spiritual leader

Keeping on track with your goals and having a genuine confidence that things will work out is the right combination in utilizing positive forces. You are using your personal free will in synch with the assistance of the universe.  The Universe works with you when you trust in its goodness.  You’ve got to have Faith, you’ve got to believe.

“Nothing is difficult to those who have the will.”

Dutch Poet’s Society     Founded 1912

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