For a long time, confidence was misunderstood. Many people believed it meant being the loudest voice in the room, the one who takes up space at the expense of others. But true confidence is not so much overshadowing as it is about shining so brightly that others feel inspired to shine alongside you. Confidence is powerful, but only when it lifts, not when it suppresses.
The Misconception About Confidence
Confidence is sometimes confused with arrogance. Arrogance demands attention, but confidence encourages respect. The difference is intention: arrogance seeks to elevate self by diminishing others, while true confidence finds power in collaboration and inclusivity.
According to research, individuals with healthy self-confidence are more likely to build positive relationships and foster collective success. In workplaces, confident leaders not only perform better themselves but also raise the performance of their teams. Confidence, therefore, is not a solo act, but more of a shared energy.
What True Confidence Looks Like
1. Rooted in Self-Acceptance
Confidence begins with knowing who you are, your strengths, weaknesses, and all, and embracing it fully. You don’t have to prove anything; you simply embody your worth.
2. Encouraging Others’ Voices
A confident person makes space for others to speak. They know that someone else’s brilliance does not diminish their own. In fact, it enriches the whole.
3. Stepping into Opportunities
Confidence empowers action. Instead of shrinking back out of fear, you take risks, try new things, and face challenges head-on.
4. Resilience in the Face of Criticism
Criticism can wound, but confidence allows you to filter feedback better, taking what helps and discarding what doesn’t. You remain steady because your identity isn’t built on approval.
5. Celebrating Others’ Success
True confidence claps loudly when others succeed. It finds joy in community achievement because it isn’t threatened by comparison.
The Ripple Effect of Confidence
When one person demonstrates healthy confidence, it has a ripple effect. Teams grow stronger, relationships deepen, and environments become more collaborative. Confidence is contagious, and it reassures others that they, too, can step into their power without fear.
In my own life, I’ve found that the moments I chose to stand firm in my confidence were also the moments I inspired others most. It wasn’t because I had all the answers, but because I dared to believe in myself enough to encourage others to believe in themselves.
Conclusion: Confidence as a Shared Light
Confidence is not a spotlight that blinds others, but more like a lantern that lights the way for everyone. When we shine without dimming others, we create communities of empowerment and growth.
I, Millicent Clarke, HR Executive, Leadership Coach, and author of Millie: My Gift of Bangles [Audiobook link], know firsthand that the true power of confidence is not in standing above others but in standing alongside them. May we all shine brightly together.
