Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.

― Lao Tzu 

Most of us know or have been acquainted with someone who we describe as being very confident. What is the essence of confidence and what are some key components?

Many of us connect confidence with outer traits such as “assured,” “decisive,” “opinionated,” “assertive,” or “driven” as a show of self and outer confidence.

True confidence isn’t found in our external personality traits.

Real confidence comes from a deeper place in our psyche rooted in self-love and compassion. Who we are on the inside shows up as confidence on the outside!

What truly shines a light on self-confidence is that true confidence is a strong feeling of living authentically empowered with our achievements, wins, losses, and flaws. It is knowing who we are as a work in progress.

Confidence is accepting that we are enough and have within us everything we need to be who we want to be.

Here Are 10 Beliefs of Confident People

1. Self-Belief

A strong inner belief of who they are at their core and a sense of self-worth are key attributes of a confident person. This doesn’t imply that setbacks or painful challenges are removed from the canvas of their lives. This belief maintains upward and onward movement when setbacks and challenges arrive.

2. Listening is Key

A confident person understands the value of being a good listener. They understand that learning is gained with less talking. They are comfortable with others taking center stage in conversations and meetings.

3. Have an Abundance Mindset

Seeing the glass as half-full versus half-empty opens the door to abundant opportunities.

4. Asking for Help is Growth-Promoting

Being open to support and help from others is seen as an attribute for teamwork, personal growth, and building community.

5. Mistakes and Fails, Opening the Door to Learning

Confident people aren’t afraid to make mistakes and see this as a learning vehicle for professional and personal growth and discovery.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

Practicing understanding and self-compassion are core to a confident person. They realize their ability to empathize with others and extend compassion starts with how they talk to and treat themselves as a foundation for healthy relationships.

7. Value is Positive

Confident people have more positive thoughts than negative ones. Yes, negative thoughts are part of their inner landscape, but they are few and far between. The positive outweighs the negative which in turn drives confidence, growth, and productivity.

8. Welcome New Ideas

Being curious and interested in what lies beneath the surface and what else is possible cultivates creativity. Confident people welcome the chance to explore new ideas as a means of both personal and professional growth.

9. Big “Life” Picture

Understanding there are multiple ways to experience a given event or situation is part of the belief system of a confident person. This lifestyle skill differentiates a confident person from others who take what they experience at face value.

10. Invest in Themselves

A confident person understands the value of learning and personal growth. They walk their talk by spending time and resources on continuing education so they can remain relevant. They see the value in working with a life or leadership coach and in on-going education.

What did you learn about confident people here? Do you know of any confidence beliefs that did not get mentioned above? Please share them with me in the comments section below!