HOW SELF CONFIDENT ARE YOU? TOTAL STATEMENTS 14 TIME : 7min

INTRODUCTION Self-confidence is about balance. At one extreme, we have people with low self-confidence. At the other end, we have people who may be over-confident.

INTRODUCTION… And if you’re over-confident, you may take on too much risk, stretch yourself beyond your capabilities, and crash badly. You may also find that you’re so optimistic that you don’t try hard enough to truly succeed.

INTRODUCTION… If you are under-confident, you’ll avoid taking risks and stretching yourself; and you might not try at all. Getting this right is a matter of having the right amount of confidence, founded in reality and on your true ability. With the right amount of self-confidence, you will take informed risks, stretch yourself (but not beyond your abilities) and try hard.

HOW CONFIDENT DO YOU SEEM TO OTHERS? Your level of self-confidence can show in many ways: Your behavior, Your body language, How you speak, what you say, and so on.

Which thoughts or actions do you recognize in yourself and people around you? Self-Confident Low Self-Confidence Doing what you believe to be right, even if others criticize you for it. Governing your behavior based on what other people think. Being willing to take risks and go the extra mile to achieve better things. Staying in your comfort zone, fearing failure and so avoid taking risks. Admitting your mistakes, and learning from them. Working hard to cover up mistakes and hoping that you can fix the problem before anyone notices. Waiting for others to congratulate you on your accomplishments. Extolling your own virtues as often as possible to as many people as possible. Accepting compliments graciously. “Thanks, I really worked hard on that prospectus. I’m pleased you recognize my efforts.” Dismissing compliments offhandedly. “Oh that prospectus was nothing really, anyone could have done it.”

HOW SELF CONFIDENT ARE YOU? Self-confident people inspire confidence in others: their audience, their peers, their bosses, their customers, and their friends. And gaining the confidence of others is one of the key ways in which a self-confident person finds success. The good news is that self-confidence really can be learned and built on.

KEY POINTS Some people seem to be naturally confident, but most of us need to improve our confidence – and we have the power to do so. Focus on the experiences in your life where you were successful. This can give you the ability to see the positive side of your mistakes and setbacks.

KEY POINTS… Choose to believe in yourself, and surround yourself with other positive and confident people. The more you see the success of others whose skills and abilities are similar to yours, the more likely you are to believe that you can also achieve that success. Combine all of this positive energy with great stress management strategies, and you’ll soon improve your levels of personal confidence.

HOW SELF CONFIDENT ARE YOU? Instructions: For each statement, select the option that best describes you. Please answer questions as you actually are (rather than how you think you should be), and don't worry if some questions seem to score in the 'wrong direction'. 

STATEMENT 1 I tend to do what I think is expected of me, rather than what I believe to be "right." Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 2 I handle new situations with relative comfort and ease. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 3 I feel positive and energized about life. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 4 If something looks difficult, I avoid doing it. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 5 I keep trying, even after others have given up. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 6 If I work hard to solve a problem, I'll find the answer. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 7 I achieve the goals I set for myself. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 8 When I face difficulty, I feel hopeless and negative. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 9 I relate to people who work very hard, and still don't accomplish their goals. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 10 People give me positive feedback on my work and achievements. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 11 I need to experience success early in a process, or I won't continue. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 12 When I overcome an obstacle, I think about the lessons I've learned. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 13 I believe that if I work hard, I'll achieve my goals. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

STATEMENT 14 I have contact with people of similar skills and experience who I consider successful. Not at all Rarely Sometimes Often Very often

Not at all a Rarely b Sometimes c Often d Very often e Statement no Not at all a Rarely b Sometimes c Often d Very often e 1 5 4 3 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

SCORE INTERPRETATION 14-32 33-51 52-70

14-32 You probably wish you had more self-confidence! Take a closer look at all the things you've achieved in your life. You may tend to focus more on what you don't have, and this takes time and attention away from recognizing and using your skills and talents.

33-51 You're doing an OK job of recognizing your skills, and believing in your abilities. But perhaps you’re a little too hard on yourself, and this may stop you from getting the full benefit of your mastery experiences

52-70 Excellent! You're doing a fabulous job of learning from every experience, and not allowing obstacles to affect the way you see yourself.