4 Reasons to Stop Underestimating Yourself

10 Ways to Deal with Angry People 5 Steps From Fear To Freedom

4 Reasons to Stop Underestimating Yourself

Julia didn't think she could handle the promotion to manager she was offered. She was afraid of not being able to show up competently since she had never had anyone reporting to her before. She also had a one-year-old child, and felt she might feel overwhelmed with a new challenging position. Her boss said she was offered the opportunity because of her past performance, maturity, and that he had faith in her abilities to learn on the job. He said she would have his support. She turned down the offer.

How do you react to Julia's reasons? Did she make a smart move and do the right thing for herself and her career? Do you identify with Julia?

Some people argue that less confident people are more successful because they work harder and, thus, are more successful. I seriously disagree! Having less confidence holds a person back from the possibility for success. It leads to inaction, passive behavior and, often, missed opportunities. Believing in yourself promotes your chances of reaching your potential. When you have the self-confidence to believe in your own skills, goals, and ability to succeed, you are more likely to take action, stand up and seize the moment, and persevere long after those who doubt themselves.

Here are 4 of the most important reasons that self-confidence leads to success, and what is in it for you to take opportunities.

1. Confident people have the drive to start things. With confidence, you won't be shy about trying out a new idea, even when others are procrastinating or caught up in analysis paralysis. You will set the bar high with stretch goals and be more likely to attain the results that reinforce your self-confidence.

2. Confident folks stand up for themselves. You will be more likely to air a grievance and assert your opinions and beliefs in an appropriate and consistent way. This will prevent any further unfair treatment or being easily dismissed.

3. Confidence enables you to set limits and protect boundaries. Confident people have the ability to say no when appropriate and don't take on work or obligations that might bring self-harm. Confidence allows you to ask questions rather than dwell in assumptions. It also allows you to test your limits, and by stretching them, you increase your limits.

4. Confident people believe in themselves. With self-confidence, you will have the ability to say yes to opportunities and not miss new options because you are fearful or shy. You are more likely to feel worthy of a promotion and face and overcome your fears. Confident people also believe in success and their ability to succeed.

A study of 298 participants strongly suggests that confidence depends on the amount and strength of the evidence supporting your chosen answer. For every reason supporting a choice, try matching it with a reason that contradicts that choice. This improves the appropriateness of your confidence in your decision. If Julia tried this, she may have chosen the promotion.