Let's be clear: there are many forms of superficial confidence out there. The notion of "faking it until you make it" continues to gain traction in the United States
Let's be clear: there are many forms of superficial confidence out there. The notion of "faking it until you make it" continues to gain traction in the United States. Many believe that projecting an image of success is what truly counts, convinced that real achievement will eventually follow.
Similarly, there are countless individuals who think that simply convincing others of their expertise is equivalent to having real knowledge. These are the people who emphasize formal titles or hierarchical positions, operating under the belief that a title automatically grants them competence.
Both ideas rely on unrealistic assumptions. It requires a significant leap in logic to accept these beliefs as valid and impactful. Unfortunately, many cling to the notion of "faking it until you make it," and a surprising number think that their titles or the perceptions of others genuinely define their identities.
As we all know, this is a misconception. There is a significant distinction between appearing knowledgeable and actually being capable of delivering results. Regrettably, we live in a culture that overvalues self-esteem, conflating it with true self-confidence, which ultimately turns out to be an unreliable form of assurance.
What truly matters isn't your belief in your ability to construct a bridge or if you consider yourself a genius. The real question is whether you can fulfill the demands society places upon you.
This is where reality sets in. Many who prioritize self-confidence based merely on self-esteem ultimately falter. They collapse like a house of cards because they've built their assurance on a flawed foundation.
Competence is the genuine cornerstone of real confidence because it is proven and reliable, developed through facing adversity, challenges, and failures. Yes, the journey toward competence involves significant discomfort and struggle, but that is exactly what makes it valuable.
It's not something you gain just by showing up; it's not a mere participation trophy. It's hard-earned, and it's something you must fight for and sacrifice to achieve.