Confident people and their behaviours have always intrigued me.
There’s a significant difference between being cocky and truly confident. Real confidence is not about pretending to know everything, but about being comfortable with who you are and what you do.
Psychology has a lot to say about this. It turns out that confident individuals avoid certain behaviours that undermine their self-assurance.
Now, I’m going to share with you 9 things that confident people never do, according to psychology.
Let’s delve into the behaviours they steer clear of, so we can learn from them.
1) They don’t compare themselves to others
Confidence comes from within, and truly confident people understand this.
They don’t look to others for validation or compare their journey to someone else’s. Comparisons only lead to insecurity, and that’s something confident folks avoid.
Psychology backs this up. Continuous comparison with others can lead to negative feelings, such as envy and low self-esteem.
Confident people know that everyone’s path is different. They focus on their own achievements and goals, rather than getting tangled up in what someone else is doing.
This isn’t about being self-absorbed; it’s about understanding that your worth isn’t determined by how you stack up against someone else. It’s a healthy way of maintaining confidence and self-assuredness.
Confident people don’t play the comparison game. They know it’s not about being better than someone else, but about being the best they can be.
2) They don’t seek approval from everyone
I’ve always admired confident people for this particular trait – they don’t need everyone’s approval.
I remember a time when I was working on a project and was nervous about presenting it to my team. I was so concerned about what everyone else would think. But then, my mentor, a truly confident person, gave me some advice.
He said, “Not everyone will like your ideas or agree with you, and that’s okay. It’s not about pleasing everyone but about doing what you believe is right.”
That advice stuck with me. Psychology supports this too. Constantly seeking approval can be emotionally draining and detrimental to our self-esteem.
Confident people understand that they can’t please everyone and they don’t try to. Their self-worth is not tied to the opinions of others, and they’re okay with the fact that not everyone will agree with them.
They are true to themselves, without feeling the need for validation from others.
3) They don’t fear failure
Confidence is not about never failing, it’s about not being afraid to fail.
Confident people understand that failure is a part of life and a crucial aspect of learning and growth. Instead of avoiding risks due to fear of failure, they embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth.
People who fear failure are more likely to be less successful in their endeavors. This is because the fear of failure can lead to procrastination or giving up too easily.
On the contrary, confident people use failure as a stepping stone towards success. They don’t see it as a setback, but rather as a lesson learned. They take it in stride, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving forward.
4) They don’t dwell on the past
Confident people understand that the past is just that – the past. They don’t let it dictate their present or future.
It’s easy to get caught up in regrets or past failures. But confident individuals know that dwelling on the past is a waste of time and energy. What’s done is done, and no amount of regret can change it.
Instead, they use their past experiences, both good and bad, as learning opportunities. They focus on the present moment and future possibilities.
Psychology tells us that ruminating on the past can lead to depression and anxiety. Confident people avoid this by accepting their past, learning from it, and then letting it go.
They live in the present, plan for the future, and leave the past where it belongs – behind them.
5) They don’t shy away from difficult conversations
Confident people have a knack for communication, even when it’s tough.
They don’t avoid difficult conversations or critical feedback. Instead, they see these as opportunities for growth and improvement. They understand that open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.
It can be uncomfortable to confront issues head-on, but confident individuals don’t let discomfort deter them. They approach difficult conversations with tact and respect, always aiming for a productive outcome.
Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to unresolved issues and strained relationships. But confident people navigate these tricky waters with grace and poise, ensuring problems are addressed rather than ignored.
They don’t shy away from tough talks. They face them head-on, with courage and confidence.
6) They don’t underestimate their worth
Confident people have a deep understanding and appreciation of their self-worth.
They’re aware of their strengths and weaknesses, but they never undervalue what they bring to the table. They know that they’re deserving of respect, kindness, and opportunities, just like everyone else.
It’s heartbreaking to see people doubting their worth or selling themselves short. But confident people don’t do this. They believe in themselves and know that they’re deserving of good things.
A positive self-image contributes greatly to one’s confidence. By acknowledging their worth, confident people are able to maintain this positivity and continue to strive for excellence.
In essence, they know their value and they don’t let anyone or anything make them feel lesser. It’s a beautiful trait, full of self-love and respect.
7) They don’t avoid taking chances
Taking chances can be scary. The uncertainty, the risk of failure, it can all be quite daunting.
I used to shy away from opportunities because I was scared of what might happen if things didn’t go as planned. But then I realized, by not taking risks, I was missing out on potential growth and success.
Confident people don’t let fear hold them back. They are open to new experiences and opportunities, even if there’s a chance they might fail. They understand that growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks.
Psychology tells us that taking calculated risks can lead to personal growth and learning. It’s about weighing the potential benefits against the potential failures.
8) They don’t ignore their emotions
Confident people are in tune with their emotions.
They don’t dismiss or ignore how they’re feeling. Instead, they acknowledge their emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they might be. This isn’t about being ruled by emotions, but rather understanding and managing them.
Ignoring your feelings or bottling them up is not a sign of strength. Confident people understand this. They allow themselves to feel, to process their emotions, and to express them in a healthy way.
Psychology has long emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence. Acknowledging and managing our emotions contributes to our overall mental health and well-being.
9) They don’t stop learning
Confident people understand that learning never stops.
They are always open to new ideas, experiences, and knowledge. They understand that growth is a lifelong process, and they constantly seek to improve and evolve.
They’re not afraid to ask questions, seek help, or admit when they don’t know something. They see every opportunity as a chance to learn something new.
This thirst for knowledge and growth is truly a mark of confidence. It shows a deep understanding that no one ever knows everything and there’s always room for improvement.
Confident people are lifelong learners. They embrace the journey of constant growth and self-improvement.
Final thoughts: Confidence is a journey
Understanding the psychology of confident people can be a deeply empowering journey.
It’s about more than just feeling good about yourself. It’s about embracing your worth, acknowledging your emotions, and continually seeking growth. It’s about confronting challenges head-on and not letting the fear of failure or the opinions of others hold you back.
Remember, confidence isn’t an overnight transformation. It’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
The traits of confident people, as highlighted in this article, are not inherent. They are learned and cultivated over time. This means you too can develop these traits and build your confidence.
Every step you take on this journey brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself. So keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, believe in yourself.
In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Your confidence is in your own hands. Nurture it, grow it, and watch as it transforms your life.
