Why Confidence Is So Important - 6 Achievement Benefits!

A class of 30 molecular biology students were preparing for their final exam. The exam would largely determine their class grade, and the impact on their overall GPA would affect their medical school applications.

The silence in the room, as the professor walked in, reflected the pressure the students were feeling. Before handing out the exam, the professor provided his final instructions.

“Because I am confident in your knowledge of this material, I will give an automatic “B” to anyone who opts to skip the final exam. If you choose to accept this grade, you may pack up and leave now.”

More than 80% of the students stood up immediately, thanked the professor, and excitedly left the classroom. The professor then gave instructions to the remaining students.  “You will have 60 minutes to complete this exam. Please do not open the exam until I have finished handing them out.  When I say ‘begin’ you may open your exam.”

Almost immediately upon hearing “begin,” the room erupted in celebration. Turning to the first page of the exam they read, “Congratulations, you have just received an “A” in this class because you believed in your ability and the quality of your preparation.”

“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.”  

— Peter T. Mcintyre

The belief something can be done and the fear it can’t be done are two sides of the same coin. Sometimes it is our lack of belief that sidelines our goals and dreams.  In other cases it is fear that keeps us from pursuing a goal, or even completing the pursuit of goal.

We all have a personal “possibility box” which reflects the scope of goals and dreams we are willing to attempt.  The boundaries of our “possibility box” are defined by our beliefs and fears, and expands and contracts based on how we manage our beliefs and fears.

Researchers have concluded expanding our “possibility box” impacts personal performance in six ways:

1. We set higher goals.
2. We are more committed to achievement.
3. We develop better strategies to attain the goals.
4. We respond more effectively to feedback and coaching.
5. We achieve more of our goals.
6. We increase our chances of breaking through performance barriers.

“When we put a limit on what we will do, we have put a limit on what we can do or what we are capable of doing.”

Want to expand your possibilities? Come back tomorrow and I will share five proven strategies to expand your “possibility box.”

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Make it a great day!