Written by: Lydia on TUESDAY, NOV 7, 2023
In the world of achievement and self-discovery, an age-old conundrum has puzzled minds for generations: What comes first, the unwavering confidence that paves the way to success, or the sweet taste of success that fuels boundless confidence? It’s a question as old as the timeless “chicken or egg” paradox, and in this blog, we’re about to embark on a journey to unravel the captivating interplay between confidence and success.
Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exploration into the intricate dance of belief and triumph, where we’ll uncover the true magic that makes the world go round.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The Precious Luxury of Confidence
As we delve deeper into the intricate dance between confidence and success, it’s worth reflecting on how I personally view the significance of confidence. In my eyes, confidence is a precious luxury, one that often becomes a steadfast companion when embarking on new endeavors, pursuing greater goals, or chasing the most profound dreams.
“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.” – Peter T. McIntyre
But here’s the fascinating twist – confidence isn’t always a prerequisite when you find yourself standing at the threshold of the unknown. In my own life’s journey, I’ve often discovered that when facing the uncharted territories of life, I didn’t always possess a reservoir of confidence.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
I believed in the possibilities that lay ahead, in the opportunities that awaited, and in my own inner strength to conquer challenges and endure adversities. However, confidence in my success? It rarely crossed my mind, and honestly, how could it? My focus was on action, on taking those small yet significant steps forward, and on burning the bridges behind me – a ritual I held sacred for propelling massive progression. The truth is, I was perfectly comfortable with the absence of confidence.
Practical Tips:
Start Moving: Begin your journey without waiting for confidence. It’s okay if it hasn’t found its way to you just yet.
Believe You Can: Even if you don’t have all the answers right from the beginning, believe in your abilities.
Embrace Small Steps: Focus on taking small but determined steps forward.
Burn the Bridges: Be willing to let go of the past, making room for new beginnings.
Throughout my life, I’ve embarked on various journeys without the warm cloak of confidence to shield me from uncertainty. Instead, I chose to believe that I could, without necessarily knowing how, or trying to unearth all the answers before setting things in motion.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
It’s a piece of advice I wholeheartedly offer to anyone at the cusp of their own adventure: start moving without waiting for confidence to make its grand entrance. It’s perfectly acceptable if it hasn’t found its way to you just yet. What matters most is that you believe you can. You might not have all the answers right from the beginning, and that’s perfectly okay.
Practical Tips:
Visualise Success: Create a vivid mental image of what success looks like for you.
Set Achievable Goals: Break down your journey into smaller, achievable milestones.
Surround Yourself: Seek the support of mentors, peers, and friends who believe in your journey.
In this journey, it’s the relentless dedication, the small yet determined steps forward, and the willingness to burn bridges behind you that matter most. And sooner than you might think, success will come knocking at your door. It’s success that often brings the much-needed gift of confidence. It’s success that fuels you with the spark of belief, igniting a new circle of growth and achievement.
“Confidence is a habit that can be developed by acting as if you already had the confidence you desire to have.” – Brian Tracy