CONFIDENCE

Growing our confidence level must be an intentional effort backed up with deliberate and precise actions. It’s a powerful tool for success, self-fulfillment and actualization. The dictionary defines ‘confidence as being sure of oneself and abilities-not in an arrogant way’, but in a realistic secure way. Confidence isn’t about feeling superior to others. It’s quiet an inner knowledge that you are capable.

Judging by sheer observation and experience, confidence is closely related to competence, it’s closely linked to developing wide and sound knowledge base in a certain aspect of endeavor or specialization, it therefore safe to say, the more you know, the more you can sure up confident,

Cultural diversity, varying approach to learning and training has played a more role in how people from certain environs show up. Africans at certain time was raised with the notion, though not illustrated in plain words; that you are not allowed to express to your thoughts to your elders, we are silently taught, to keep out thoughts to ourselves, obey instructions and move on. I must quickly add that, not all Africans were raised this way.

This style of cultural upbringing definitely has it pros and cons, by not being allowed to speak, some have lost their voices completely, timidity set in quietly, though that was not the intention from the beginning, Stolen identities, opinions and even vital societal contribution never came into limelight.

The results are completely different in the western world, where young people are given the liberty to full expression, even that could be extreme too. The younger generation are allowed to express their talents, follow the path of their giftings with little stereotyping. They find themselves very early in life, this quickens self-awareness and discovery. Allows diversity of thought, ideas and specialized concepts. Not a surprise, a lot of innovation resonates easily with them.

The concept of confidence is a commodity that must be bought at all levels, it emboldens a young girl to speak up for herself when the need arises, the capacity to protect oneself from outside pressure without losing the inner insight you have. it encourages ownership, full representation irrespective of location. whether it’s a case of drug abuse, sexual abuse, bullying in schools, secret intimidation, discrimination or any societal vice, only confident voices are able to speak, expose the evil and solicit for pure justice,

There is therefore a need for parents to raise children confidently, correct, discipline with good intention, but in the process, the dignity, confidence of that child must not be tampered with, otherwise it be a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water. Name calling, insults, abuses, are very cheap ways to erode the confidence of a child. On the other hand, affirmation, encouragement, reassuring words elevate the dignity of children, giving them room for improvement and self-expression.

Confidence is visible, attractive and contagious, build competence in your area of gifting, specialization, and passion. Recognize your true Identity what makes you unique, fall in love with yourself.