J.D. Rockefeller, once the richest man in the world, wrote to his son, “I have never seen people who do not appreciate confident and decisive people.” This insight from one of history’s most successful individuals underscores a fundamental truth: self-confidence is not just desirable, it’s essential for success and leadership.

One more note on Rockefeller: don’t assume his advice comes from a place of lifelong privilege. Born in 1839, Rockefeller knew poverty intimately. As a young boy, his clothes were so shabby that on picture day—a rare and significant event in those times—the photographer actually asked the teacher to remove him from the class photo. The photographer claimed Rockefeller’s ragged appearance would spoil the image for the well-dressed children.

You might think such an experience would crush a child’s spirit. For Rockefeller, it had the opposite effect. Instead of allowing this humiliation to shake his confidence, he transformed it into powerful motivation. He later said this incident drove him to aspire to become the richest man in the world—a goal he ultimately achieved. Rockefeller’s story reminds us that true confidence isn’t born from comfortable circumstances, but from the determination to rise above adversity.

Self-confidence is the foundation upon which all great achievements are built. It’s the inner voice that says “you can” when the world says “you can’t.” It’s the driving force that pushes you to take risks, to stand up for your ideas, and to persevere in the face of adversity.

Self-confidence is a catalyst for action. When you’re confident, you’re more likely to take initiative, to speak up, and to seize opportunities. You’re not paralyzed by fear of failure or criticism. Instead, you see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Consider the example of a talented artist who has a unique style and perspective. Without self-confidence, they might keep their art hidden, denying themselves opportunities for growth, recognition, and the chance to impact others. But with confidence, they share their work, embrace feedback, and continually evolve their craft.

Self-confidence also fuels resilience. When setbacks occur – and they will – confident individuals don’t crumble. They view failures as temporary and as valuable learning experiences. This resilience is crucial in any endeavor, whether it’s building a business, pursuing a degree, or working on personal growth.

Take the example of my friend Jake, a talented lawyer. He once told me, “The only reason I’m not a rocket scientist is because I never dreamed of being one. But if I had, I would have become one through study, grit, determination, and willpower.” This statement exemplifies the power of self-confidence. Jake doesn’t see his current profession as a limitation of his abilities, but as a choice he made. He believes that with the right mindset and effort, he could excel in any field.

This attitude reminds me that your capabilities are far greater than even you can imagine. Many of us might look at a challenging profession and think, “I could never do that.” But Jake’s perspective challenges us to ask, “Why not me?” It’s not about whether everyone can or should become a rocket scientist, but about recognizing that our potential is often limited more by our perceptions than by our nature.

Now, you might be thinking, “But what if I fail? Isn’t that a good reason not to be confident?” Failure is not a reason to lack confidence. The opposite is true. Failure is a badge of honor. It means you were brave enough to try. It means you took a chance, stepped out of your comfort zone, and put yourself on the line. That, in itself, is something to be proud of. You win or you learn, you don’t win or lose. 

People who never fail never try anything worth doing.  That’s no way to go through life. 

Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of success. Every failure is a learning opportunity, a chance to grow, to refine your approach, and to come back stronger. Thomas Edison, who failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb, said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That’s the mindset of a truly confident person.

When you fail, you gain experience. You learn what doesn’t work, which brings you one step closer to finding what does work. You develop resilience, grit, and problem-solving skills. These are invaluable assets in any field, and they can only be gained through the willingness to risk failure.

Failure humanizes you. It makes you relatable and approachable. People respect those who have the courage to try and fail, more than those who never try at all. Your failures, and how you handle them, can inspire others to take their own risks and pursue their dreams.

Self-confidence doesn’t mean arrogance or overestimation of one’s abilities. True self-confidence is grounded in self-awareness. It means knowing your strengths and weaknesses and being comfortable with both. It means being open to learning and growth, while also trusting in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.

Developing self-confidence is a journey that requires consistent effort and practice. Start by recognizing your inherent worth. You were created with purpose, with gifts, and with the capacity for goodness. Build on this foundation by setting and achieving small goals, learning new skills, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Challenge your self-limiting beliefs. When you find yourself thinking “I can’t” or “That’s impossible,” pause and question that belief. Is it really true, or is it just a perception you’ve held onto? Seek new experiences and learn from others. Sometimes, others can see potential in us that we can’t see ourselves.

Shakespeare wrote, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” Your nature is honorable and full of potential. By expanding your perceptions and building your self-confidence, you can unlock capabilities you never knew you had and live a life that truly reflects the wonder of your creation.

Embrace self-confidence. Let it propel you forward, inspire others, and lead you to heights you never thought possible. The world needs confident, decisive leaders. Why shouldn’t you be one of them? And remember, even if you fail along the way, that’s just part of the journey. It’s proof that you’re brave, that you’re growing, and that you’re on the path to greatness.

Self-Confidence can be a self-fulfilling prophecy if you embrace it.