It is something that we have all become much more aware of over the years – probably because of all of the coverage of mental health in the media. Confidence is a big deal; and it’s something that can affect you both at home and a work.
However, as we have all become much more knowledgeable about the subject, it’s meant that a lot of sources have started to publish information which isn’t necessarily accurate. This is what today’s article will cover; here are some of the ways confidence isn’t portrayed properly in the media.
Myth #1 – You Are Born With Confidence
This myth surrounds the belief that you either are gifted with confidence from birth, or you don’t have it at all.
Of course, some people are born with more, with some studies suggesting that up to 50% is within our genes. This still leaves room for another 50% to be picked up through life, though.
Ultimately, if you develop your skills and iron out imperfections, it can help you no-end. It might becoming more knowledgeable on a subject, or going through something like a breast lift surgery.
Myth #2 – You Are Only Confident When You Are “Perfect”
First and foremost, what does “perfect” mean? There’s absolutely no truth to this myth, and it’s one that you should send to the back of your mind as a matter of urgency.
If everyone felt as though they had to be perfect before feeling confident, there would be very few confident people in the world. This is also something that will hold you back at home and professionally, with this being found through a Hewlett-Packard study.
Myth #3 – Confidence Will Dispel Your Nerves
Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like this. As countless studies have shown over the years, we are all programmed with flight or fight responses. This means that regardless of your confidence levels, this is always going to kick-in regardless.
If you are trying to rid yourself of nerves by boosting your confidence, you really are tapping into the wrong benefit of the C-word.
Myth #4 – Confidence is Obvious
Let’s leave one of the most interesting myths about confidence until the very end. For most of us, the perception of a confident person is one that is an extrovert. They are more than happy to voice their opinions, views and tend to be assertive and sometimes dominant.
Well, this is something of a stereotype. As well as the extrovert, there is also someone who has plenty of introverted confidence. There is such a thing as a quietly confident person, and this tends to be someone who has strong values and is happy to stick by them.
As such, even if you are not an extrovert, don’t let this hold you back in your quest to gain more confidence. There’s no right way to be confident, everyone can be their own type and this is something that should never be forgotten as you attempt to build your personality.
