CONFIDENCE MYTHS

Special greetings to you today. Why am I greeting you special and differently today? Everyday is special. We've not seen today before and will not see it ever again. Are you always saving something (utensils, clothes, shoes, drinks, etc), waiting for an occasion when you will use it? Please bring it out and use it. Being alive is a special occasion enough.

Our theme for this month is building resilience and confidence. There are several common myths about confidence that can mislead people. We will be busting some of these myths today:

1. Confidence is something you're born with.
Myth: Some people are just born confident, and others aren't.
Truth: Confidence is a skill that can be developed over time. It often comes with experience, practice, and willingness to face and learn from challenges.

2. Confident people don’t have doubts.
Myth: Confident individuals never experience self-doubt.
Truth: Even the most confident people have doubts from time to time. How they manage those doubts and keep moving forward sets them apart.

3. Confidence equals arrogance.
Myth: Being confident means you are arrogant or overly self-assured.
Truth: Confidence is about self-assurance and belief in your abilities, while arrogance involves an inflated sense of superiority and disregard for others.

4. Confidence equals competence.
Myth: Confidence means you are skilled and qualified.
Truth: Just because somebody appears confident does not mean that the person is competent. Confidence can sometimes mask a lack of skill or knowledge.

5. You need to be perfect to be confident.
Myth: Confidence comes from being flawless or achieving perfection.
Truth: Confidence is about accepting your imperfections and being comfortable with who you are, not about achieving perfection.

6. Confidence comes from external validation.
Myth: You need praise from others to feel confident.
Truth: True confidence comes from internal validation and self-acceptance, not relying solely on external approval.

7. Confident people never get nervous.
Myth: Confident individuals always feel calm and poised, even in challenging situations.
Truth: Even confident people can feel nervous. What matters is how they channel that nervous energy into performance.

8. Confidence is always visible.
Myth: Confident people are always outwardly expressive and show their confidence clearly.

Truth: Confidence can be internal and sometimes more quiet or subtle. It doesn’t always mean being outspoken or extroverted.

9. Confidence comes naturally in social situations.
Myth: Being socially confident should come easily to everyone.
Truth: Social confidence, like any other type of confidence, often requires practice and overcoming personal barriers. It can be challenging for many people, even those who are otherwise self-assured.

10. Confidence comes from achieving Big Things.

Myth: You need to achieve something grand and outstanding to gain confidence.

Truth: Confidence doesn't come from big achievements alone. It comes from recognizing and appreciating your small wins and everyday accomplishments. It's about celebrating who you are, not just what you achieve. Despise not the days of small beginnings (Zachariah 4:10).

Understanding and dismantling these myths can help build authentic confidence based on personal growth and resilience. Remember that confidence is a journey, not a destination. It is about growth, self-acceptance, and embracing who you are. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. That is a confidence booster for you (Psalm 139:14).