Enfrontats amb un gran repte on sembla que el fracàs us aguaita pels racons, potser heu sentit aquest consell: "Tingues més confiança." I probablement el que penses quan ho sents és: "Si fos tan fàcil." Però què és la confiança? Comença pensant que ets valuós, digne i capaç. d'això també se'n diu autoestima, afegeix-hi l'optimisme que dóna estar segur de les teves abilitats, i llavors, amb aquest poder, actua amb coratge per enfrontar-te al repte. Això és la confiança. Converteix els pensaments en accions. Però d'on ve la confiança? Hi ha molts factors que influeixen en la confiança. El primer ve de naixement, són els gens, que influeixen en coses com l'equilibri neuroquímic del cervell. El segon: com et tracten. Inclou les pressions socials del teu entorn. El tercer: la part que controles tu, les teves eleccions, els riscs que prens, i com consideres i respons als reptes i contratemps. No es poden desenredar completament aquest tres factors, però les nostres elecciones personals tenen un paper molt important en el desenvolupament de la confiança. Tenint en compte alguns consells pràctics, podem cultivar la nostra confiança. Consell 1: una solució ràpida. Hi ha alguns trucs que et donaran ràpidament una injecció de confiança a curt termini. Imagina't l'èxit quan comences una tasca difícil, tan senzill com escoltar música amb baixos profunds; pot promoure sentiments de poder. Pots adoptar una postura de poder o donar-te ànims. Consell 2: creu en la teva capacitat de millorar. Si busques un canvi a llarg termini, pensa en com consideres les teves abilitats i talents. Creus que són fixes des del naixement, o que es poden desenvolupar, com un múscul? Aquests pensaments són importants perquè influeixen cóm actuem quan ens enfrontem amb contratemps. Si tens una mentalitat fixa, que vol dir que creus que el talent és estàtic, potser et rendiràs, si trobes que una cosa no se't dóna bé. Però amb una mentalitat de creixement pots millorar les teves abilitats, un repte és una oportunitat per aprendre i créixer. La neurociència dóna suport a la mentalitat de creixement. Les connexions del cervell s'enforteixen i creixen amb l'estudi i la pràctica. També resulta que, per terme mitjà, els qui tenen una mentalitat de creixement tenen més èxit, treuen millors notes, i se'n surten millor quan s'enfronten als reptes. Consell 3: practica el fracàs. Siguem clars, a vegades fracasaràs. A tothom li passa. J.K. Rowling va ser rebutjada per dotze editorials diferents fins que una va acceptar "Harry Potter". Els germans Wright van fer servir la història de fracassos de vol, els seus inclosos, per dissenyar un aeroplà que funcionés. Segons els estudis, els qui fracassen i ho segueixen intentant estan millor equipats per enfrontar-se als reptes i contratemps de manera constructiva. Aprenen a intentar estratègies diferents, a demanar consell als altres, i a perseverar. Doncs, pensa en un repte que vulguis conquerir, reconeix que no serà fàcil, accepta que t'equivocaràs, i sigues comprensius quan ho facis. Dona't ànims, alça't i endavant. L'emoció que sentiràs sabent que passi el que passi, hauràs augmentat en coneixements i comprensió. Això és la confiança.
When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you've heard this advice before: "Be more confident." And most likely, this is what you think when you hear it: "If only it were that simple." But what is confidence? Take the belief that you are valuable, worthwhile, and capable, also known as self-esteem, add in the optimism that comes when you are certain of your abilities, and then empowered by these, act courageously to face a challenge head-on. This is confidence. It turns thoughts into action. So where does confidence even come from? There are several factors that impact confidence. One: what you're born with, such as your genes, which will impact things like the balance of neurochemicals in your brain. Two: how you're treated. This includes the social pressures of your environment. And three: the part you have control over, the choices you make, the risks you take, and how you think about and respond to challenges and setbacks. It isn't possible to completely untangle these three factors, but the personal choices we make certainly play a major role in confidence development. So, by keeping in mind a few practical tips, we do actually have the power to cultivate our own confidence. Tip 1: a quick fix. There are a few tricks that can give you an immediate confidence boost in the short term. Picture your success when you're beginning a difficult task, something as simple as listening to music with deep bass; it can promote feelings of power. You can even strike a powerful pose or give yourself a pep talk. Tip two: believe in your ability to improve. If you're looking for a long-term change, consider the way you think about your abilities and talents. Do you think they are fixed at birth, or that they can be developed, like a muscle? These beliefs matter because they can influence how you act when you're faced with setbacks. If you have a fixed mindset, meaning that you think your talents are locked in place, you might give up, assuming you've discovered something you're not very good at. But if you have a growth mindset and think your abilities can improve, a challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Neuroscience supports the growth mindset. The connections in your brain do get stronger and grow with study and practice. It also turns out, on average, people who have a growth mindset are more successful, getting better grades, and doing better in the face of challenges. Tip three: practice failure. Face it, you're going to fail sometimes. Everyone does. J.K. Rowling was rejected by twelve different publishers before one picked up "Harry Potter." The Wright Brothers built on history's failed attempts at flight, including some of their own, before designing a successful airplane. Studies show that those who fail regularly and keep trying anyway are better equipped to respond to challenges and setbacks in a constructive way. They learn how to try different strategies, ask others for advice, and perservere. So, think of a challenge you want to take on, realize it's not going to be easy, accept that you'll make mistakes, and be kind to yourself when you do. Give yourself a pep talk, stand up, and go for it. The excitement you'll feel knowing that whatever the result, you'll have gained greater knowledge and understanding. This is confidence.