Personal Growth | Self-Esteem

Why is Self Confidence Important? (30 Reasons + Expert Insights)

By Jahrine Okutsu
Updated on

Every so often, I catch myself before making a decision, and I pause – am I confident enough to take this step? Self-confidence is that little nudge when we’re at a crossroads; it’s the quiet yet powerful voice that says, “Go on, you’ve got this.”

It’s what pushes us to speak up, to take charge, and to believe that our ideas are worth sharing.

Without it, we might just watch life pass us by. So why is believing in ourselves so impactful? It’s time we dive deep into why self-confidence is key to living fully and how its absence isn’t just a minor setback but a roadblock to our personal growth.

Ready to learn why your confidence matters more than you think? Let’s start the journey.

Self-Confidence Is the Basis of Self-Love

Self-confidence and self-love go hand in hand. When you’re confident, you recognize your self-worth and treat yourself kindly. You set healthy boundaries, prioritize your needs, and give yourself the same compassion that you’d offer a friend.

This self-love isn’t about arrogance or vanity; it’s a quiet acceptance of who you are, flaws and all. As you grow in confidence, you learn to be your own biggest cheerleader, celebrating your strengths and being gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned.

"Self-confidence is the basis of self-love, which is the basis for loving others and loving your life. Without self-confidence, you end up using a fraction of your potential of being uniquely “you.” With low self-confidence, self-love will not be enough to replace your self-doubt and feelings of not being “good enough.”"

— Judith Belmont, MS, LPC | Mental health author | Motivational speaker

Self-Confidence Boosts Overall Happiness

Let’s start with something close to my heart: the link between self-confidence and happiness. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel happier, right? Self-confidence essentially gives us the power to face life with a more positive outlook.

When we trust in our abilities, we’re more prone to take on new challenges and experiences without the cloud of doubt and fear. When you walk out the door with confidence, you’re more likely to smile, laugh, and embrace the day’s adventures.

The happiness we all seek? It starts with believing in ourselves.

Increases the Sense of Self-Worth

When you believe in yourself, you understand your own value, making it easier to not settle for less than you deserve. Recognizing your abilities, your potential, and your worth as a person not only feels great but also sets the stage for achieving more.

When your sense of self-worth goes up, so does the quality of your life. This doesn’t mean you won’t have doubts or bad days—it just means you’ll be better equipped to face them head-on.

And when you truly value yourself, you teach others to value you, too. It’s a chain reaction of positivity starting from the inside out. 

When you are self-compassionate, you are not focused on being better than anyone else - after all, only 50% of us can be better than average! Rather you are focused on being self-forgiving, self-loving, and kind to yourself instead of beating yourself up when you don’t make the mark."

— Judith Belmont, MS, LPC | Mental health author | Motivational speaker

Enhances Performance at Work

Think about the last time you really nailed a task at work. Felt good, right? That’s self-confidence in action. When you believe in your abilities, you’re more likely to take initiative and push yourself to meet (and sometimes exceed) expectations.

You become the person who volunteers for new projects or offers solutions in meetings — not because you know everything but because you trust in your capacity to learn and adapt.

This approach doesn’t just make you a star in the eyes of your boss; it can also lead to better job satisfaction. After all, achieving goals and growing professionally is much more fun when you’ve got confidence cheering you on from the sidelines.

"For example, when someone is encouraged to apply for a promotion but they don't think they're good enough or aren't confident that they possess the skills to be successful, this can lead to them not pursuing this opportunity."

— Robyn Gold, LCSW | Psychotherapist

Promotes Leadership Qualities

When you’re confident, people notice – they see someone who can make decisions, inspire teams, and drive progress. This isn’t just about being at the top; it’s about bringing out the best in others, too.

Here’s how self-confidence helps:

  • Inspiring Trust: A confident leader inspires trust among team members, crucial for effective teamwork and employee morale.
  • Navigating Challenges: With confidence, a leader is better equipped to handle stress and setbacks, maintaining a clear head and a steady hand when it matters most.

Improves Communication Skills

The words we choose and how we say them can open doors or build walls. And guess what? Self-confidence helps us to pick the right words and to say them with clarity.

When you’re confident, you’re more likely to speak up, listen actively, and share your thoughts without fear of judgment.

You become better at saying no when needed and yes when it truly matters. This is crucial not just in personal relationships but in every aspect of life—being able to express yourself clearly can bring about amazing changes, whether it’s asking for a promotion, making new friends, or standing up for yourself.

Strengthens Decision-Making Abilities

Decisions, big and small, shape our lives. Having self-confidence gives you the backbone to make choices and stand by them. Even when choices lead to mistakes, self-confidence allows you to learn and move forward instead of getting stuck in regret.

It empowers you to weigh your options, make informed decisions, and take calculated risks without being crippled by fear.

After all, each decision is a step towards creating the life you want – and confidence is your companion every step of the way.

Encourages You to Try New Things

Ever been on the verge of trying something new, only to back out at the last minute? It happens to the best of us.

But here’s a scoop: self-confidence is like your personal cheerleader in these moments. It whispers, “Go on, you got this!” When confidence is in your corner, the world opens up with possibilities.

Here’s what I’ve seen:

  • Encouraging curiosity and exploration, leading to personal growth and new experiences.
  • Lowering hesitation, making it easier to leap into new hobbies, careers, or even just new foods!

Reduces Fear of Failure

Nobody likes to stumble or fall, but let’s be real; it happens to everyone. Self-confidence can’t make you invincible, but it can offer you a safety net. The fear of messing up tends to hold people back, but when you trust in yourself, failure becomes a step rather than a stop sign.

Confidence tells you that a setback is simply a chance to learn and grow, not a reason to give up. It’s the difference between avoiding the game altogether and playing to win, knowing that either way, you’ll come out stronger.

Motivates You to Set and Achieve Goals

Self-confidence and goal setting are like best buddies—they go hand in hand. When you have confidence in your abilities, setting ambitious goals doesn’t seem so frightening. More importantly, that same self-belief fuels your drive to achieve them.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Clearer Goal-Setting: Confidence helps clarify what you really want, setting a direct pathway to your aspirations.
  • Sustained Motivation: With clear goals and self-belief, motivation maintains its momentum, keeping procrastination at bay.

Helps in Managing Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy; I totally get that. But here’s a thought to consider: self-confidence can be a great tool in your toolkit against anxiety. When you believe in your ability to handle whatever comes your way, anxiety’s grip starts to loosen.

It’s like having an internal dialogue that reassures, “You can handle this.”

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Reduced Overthinking: Confidence calms the mental chatter that fuels anxiety.
  • Effective Coping Strategies: Confident individuals are more likely to adopt and stick with coping strategies that reduce anxiety in the long run.

Increases Resilience Against Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, sort of like weather—it can be sunny one day and stormy the next. But just as an umbrella can help you stay dry, self-confidence can protect you against the downpours of stress.

When you believe in your ability to get through tough times, you’re better equipped to do just that. Confidence doesn’t stop the rain, but it does remind you that you’ve weathered storms before and you’ve come out on the other side.

This resilience is a fantastic strength to carry through life, keeping you moving forward no matter the weather.

Facilitates Building New Relationships

Now, onto one of my personal favorites—building relationships. Self-confidence invites openness and warmth, making it easier to connect with others. Whether it’s making new friends, nurturing professional connections, or deepening personal relationships, confidence is your wingman.

It enhances your social interactions in several ways:

  • Approachability: People are naturally drawn to confident individuals because they exude a sense of security and positivity.
  • Effective Communication: Confidence boosts your ability to communicate clearly and listen actively, which are key components in forming meaningful connections.

Leads to Better Self-Care Practices

Self-care is more than just bubble baths and spa days—it’s about taking real, consistent care of your physical and mental well-being. Here’s where self-confidence strides in, arm-in-arm with self-care.

When you have confidence, you value yourself highly, making it a whole lot easier to prioritize personal wellness.

Here are a few ways how confidence boosts self-care:

  • Prioritizing Health: Confident individuals are more likely to make healthier choices, like regular exercise or choosing nutritious meals.
  • Mental Health Maintenance: They tend to stick to routines that support mental health, such as meditation or adequate sleep.

Enhances Emotional Intelligence

Self-confidence and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. When you’re confident, you’re not just aware of your own feelings; you’re also tuned into the emotions of others.

This helps you navigate social situations with grace and understand what someone else might be going through. It’s about connecting with your emotions without being led by them.

Emotional intelligence means you can have a tough conversation without making it a battle, or you can show empathy when someone needs a shoulder to lean on. And it all starts with how you view and treat yourself.

Promotes a Proactive Life Approach

I think we can all agree that being proactive is better than being reactive, right? Self-confidence is the spark that lights up a proactive approach to life. When you’re confident, you don’t just wait for things to happen; you make them happen.

This proactive stance comes alive through:

  • Goal-Setting: Confident people set dynamic goals and actively pursue them without procrastination.
  • Problem-Solving: Instead of avoiding problems, they tackle them head-on, reducing future complications and stress.

Improves Adaptability to Change

Change is a constant in life, and self-confidence equips you with the flexibility to handle it. When you trust your ability to adapt, shifting circumstances don’t rattle you as much. Instead, they’re opportunities to learn and grow.

Confident people don’t cling to the way things were; they see the potential in what could be. Whether it’s a sudden move, a new job, or a change in a relationship, if you’re confident in yourself, you’ll navigate these changes with a constructive mindset.

This adaptability is a superpower in today’s fast-paced world.

Facilitates Effective Conflict Resolution

Nobody loves conflict, I mean, who would? But it’s part of life, especially when you’re interacting with others, whether at work or at home.

Self-confidence equips you with the poise necessary to handle conflicts constructively. Confident people can approach disputes with a level-headedness that often de-escalates tension.

Here’s how this unfolds:

  • Clear Communication: Confidence allows you to express your views clearly and respectfully, crucial in resolving disagreements.
  • Seeking Win-Win Solutions: Instead of striving to ‘win’ the argument, confident folks aim for resolutions that benefit all parties involved.

Fosters Creativity and Innovation

Feeling confident in your thoughts and ideas encourages you to think outside the box and propose new solutions to old problems. Whether you’re painting a picture, developing a business plan, or simply brainstorming, confidence means you trust your creative instincts.

You’re more likely to share your ideas with the world and embrace the process of creation and innovation. And sometimes, it’s that one bold idea, fueled by confidence, that leads to something truly groundbreaking.

Encourages Independence

Confidence is the root of independence. It gives you the strength to rely on your own decisions and to take care of yourself.

When you are self-assured, you’re more likely to travel solo, live alone, or start a solo venture without feeling the need for constant approval or support from others.

This self-reliance is empowering because it’s based on your ability to trust your judgment and capabilities. It means you’re living life on your terms, steering your own ship, and carving your own path.

Acts as a Powerful Shield Against Bullying

Facing bullying, whether in school, the workplace, or social circles, can be daunting. Bullies often target perceived weakness or insecurity, which is why self-confidence can be such a strong defense.

When you carry yourself with assurance, you project a sense of self-respect that can deter bullies. Confidence helps you recognize your own worth, making you less susceptible to others’ attempts to tear you down.

And if a bully does cross your path, being confident equips you to stand up for yourself effectively or to seek help without feeling diminished.

"One of the most powerful bulwarks against bullying—whether it in school as a child, or the workplace as an adult—is self-confidence. Carrying yourself with an attitude of being okay with yourself makes people less likely to attack anything about you."

— Walter G. Meyer | Speaker | Writer | Anti-Bullying Champion

Helps in Overcoming Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can feel like a wall between you and the rest of the world, but confidence can be the door through that wall. It allows you to initiate conversations, attend social gatherings, and engage with others without overwhelming fear.

With confidence, the worry about how you’re perceived lessens because you feel secure in who you are.

This doesn’t mean you won’t ever feel nervous or awkward—those are human emotions we all experience—but self-confidence can significantly reduce the hold that social anxiety has over your life.

Improves Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving isn’t just about finding solutions; it’s about approaching challenges with confidence and creativity. With sound self-confidence, you’re more likely to tackle problems head-on rather than avoiding them.

Confident people trust their instincts and reasoning, which facilitates a more effective and innovative approach to solving problems.

Here’s how it plays out:

  • Creative Solutions: With the confidence to believe in your ideas, you’re more likely to come up with innovative solutions.
  • Decisive Actions: Confident individuals take decisive actions, reducing the time spent in indecision and uncertainty.

Encourages Positive Thinking

A confident mindset inherently leans towards seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty. This isn’t about ignoring life’s problems—it’s about facing them with an attitude that emphasizes solutions and opportunities.

Positive thinking driven by self-confidence can significantly enhance your mental wellbeing, and here’s what this looks like:

  • Optimistic Outlook: Confidence breeds a natural optimism, helping you anticipate positive outcomes even in challenging situations.
  • Enhanced Motivation: Positive thinking fuels motivation, keeping you driven towards achieving your goals, even when hurdles arise.

Reduces the Likelihood of Depression

This point is particularly close to my heart. While self-confidence isn’t a cure-all, it does play a significant role in buffering against feelings of worthlessness and despair, which are often precursors to depression.

By building and maintaining a robust sense of self-confidence, you reinforce your mental resilience, helping to buffer against depressive thoughts and feelings.

The impact includes:

  • Improved Self-Image: Confidence helps cultivate a healthier self-image, which is crucial in mitigating negative self-talk that can lead to depression.
  • Social Connectivity: A confident person is more likely to maintain a supportive social network, which can be vital in times of emotional distress.
"Confidence is a belief that combats stress, anxiety, rejection, failure, limiting beliefs, and more. Confidence laughs in the face of negative self-reflection and alters how you perceive situations that could make you doubt yourself."

— Benjamin Ritter, MBA, MPH, EdD | Founder of Live for Yourself Consulting, and The Breakup Supplement | Author of The Live for Yourself Journal, and The Essentials

Strengthens Integrity and Authenticity

Being confident helps you to be true to yourself. You’re less likely to bend your morals or values to fit in or to please someone else. With a strong sense of self, you have the courage to stand by your beliefs and to be honest with yourself and others.

This integrity makes you a person others can trust and look up to. But it’s not just about how others see you—it’s about how you see yourself. Self-confidence allows you to walk a path that aligns with your true self, not a path others have carved out for you.

"The power of self-confidence is it empowers a person to show up as they are right now. This strength in self fosters a sense of self-trust and, therein, self-direction, whereby everything—every relationship, every job offer, every chance, and opportunity—becomes a choice rather than a need born out of fear, dependency, escapism, and disbelief in self."

— Chelsea Leigh Trescott MFA, CPC | Breakup Coach | Advice Columnist | Certified Solution Focused- Life Coach

Supports Academic Success

When it comes to doing well in school or any learning endeavor, confidence can be as important as a sharp pencil or a calculator.

Students who believe in their capabilities put more effort into their studies, are more engaged in class, and are not afraid to ask questions when they don’t understand something.

This proactive approach to learning doesn’t just help with getting better grades—it also encourages a lifelong love of learning.

When you’re confident, you’re more likely to see challenges as opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, which can lead to a brighter future.

Symbolizes Freedom and the Ability to Live Life Fully

Having confidence is like having a key to a really big door that opens up to all the possibilities of life.

You’re less likely to be held back by fear or doubt. Instead, you have the freedom to pursue your dreams and to live your life as it’s meant to be lived—with courage and enthusiasm.

You’re more likely to take the trip you’ve always wanted, start the business you’ve been dreaming of, or simply find joy in the everyday. With self-confidence, you give yourself permission to make choices that reflect your desires, ambitions, and passions.

Facilitates Laughter and Enjoyment of Humor

There’s something wonderfully liberating about laughter, and guess what? Self-confidence helps you enjoy humor even more.

When you’re confident, you’re less likely to feel self-conscious about joining in on the laughter or even poking a bit of fun at yourself. Humor becomes a joy, not a challenge.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:

  • Ease in Social Situations: With confidence, you can laugh freely, making social interactions more enjoyable and less tense.
  • Sharing Joy: Confident people are often comfortable sharing humorous moments, which helps in building connections and spreading positivity.
"Self-confidence facilitates laughter, with confidence you can enjoy humor. Self-deprecating humor, situational, group laughter, levity, and an amalgam of other enjoyments."

— David Barbour | Co-founder of Vivio Life Sciences

Boosts Social Skills

Being able to interact smoothly with others is so much easier when you have confidence. You’re not just waiting for others to talk to you; you’re stepping forward to engage them.

Social skills aren’t about dazzling everyone with charm—it’s about feeling okay with introducing yourself, making small talk, and being genuinely interested in what others have to say.

Confidence doesn’t mean you’ll never experience awkward moments, but it does give you the foundation to handle them graciously and move on.

More Insights From the Experts

“Lack of confidence usually is correlated with being too critical judgmental on yourself and comparing yourself to others. When you do that, you’ll always find someone who is smarter, more attractive, skinnier, has more than you do, smarter kids, better luck and all around appearing to have a better life.

What is the solution? Self-Compassion. Self-compassion puts you on the fast track to self-esteem and self-confidence. Instead of needing to be better than average, and avoiding failure, you embrace your vulnerability and your humanity instead of being critical of your shortcomings.”

— Judith Belmont, MS, LPC | Mental health author | Motivational speaker

“Self-confidence doesn’t mean feeling certain you will succeed. It is being certain that who you are is not defined by the end result of your endeavors.”

— Jess Marion | Legally Blind Speaker | Trainer | Coach | Author |  Athlete 

“In order to live not only the length of one’s life but the breadth, one needs self-confidence. The reason for this is, that without it, one is overcome by shame, self-scrutiny, low self-efficacy and, in time, paralysis due to fear.”

— Chelsea Leigh Trescott MFA, CPC | Breakup Coach | Advice Columnist | Certified Solution Focused- Life Coach

“Self-confidence is vital for a happy, healthy and successful life. This includes your private as well as professional life.”

— Jon Rhodes | Clinical Hypnotherapist

“With self-confidence, I have made possible that which people much smarter and more successful than I am said I could not (or would not) do. And with it, I have learned to design, define, and divine the life I seek and the ability, willingness, and desire to continue to try.”

— Kate Harvie | Writer | Editor | Brand Strategist

“When individuals are able to truly believe in themselves and are confident in all they have to offer, they are much more successful in their daily life, career, and relationships.”

— Robyn Gold, LCSW | Psychotherapist

“Confidence is paramount, in making decisions to move your life forward, in pursuing your passions and in creating impact. Any business owner or entrepreneur can tell you that rejection, failure, and negative feedback isn’t only part of the journey, it’s a BIG part of the journey.”

— Rebecca Cafiero | Healthy Lifestyle Expert | TEDx Speaker | Brand Strategist

“When we lack confidence, we rely on others to provide us with what we’re lacking within. And this results in codependent relationships where often we are giving ourselves away and being undervalued because we’re desperate for the things we can’t provide for ourselves.”

— Katie Kozlowski | Master energy coach | Spiritual teacher

“Bottom line, if you don’t have confidence in yourself, how can you expect others to have confidence in you?”

— Damon Nailer | Author | Consultant | Speaker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between self-confidence and arrogance?

Self-confidence and arrogance are often misunderstood as similar traits, but they are distinct in nature. Self-confidence is a healthy belief in your abilities and self-worth. In contrast, arrogance is an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often accompanied by a disregard for others’ feelings or opinions. 

Confident people are open to feedback and learning, while arrogant individuals are defensive and resistant to change. It’s essential to balance believing in yourself and respecting others.

Can a person be too confident?

Yes, a person can be too confident. Overconfidence can lead to unrealistic expectations, underestimating challenges, and overlooking potential risks. Excessive self-assurance may result in hasty decision-making and a reluctance to seek help or advice. Striving for a healthy level of self-confidence involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses while maintaining a realistic view of your capabilities.

Is it possible to fake self-confidence?

Faking self-confidence is possible, but it’s not a sustainable or authentic approach to personal growth. While “faking it until you make it” may help you navigate short-term situations, it’s not a solution for long-term self-improvement.

Instead of pretending, focus on building genuine self-confidence through self-reflection, goal-setting, and embracing your unique qualities. Authentic confidence will enable you to face challenges and opportunities with resilience and courage.

Final Thoughts

So, why not start boosting your confidence today? Small steps lead to big changes. Building up your confidence might just be what you need to live the life you’ve always wanted. Let’s start this journey together, shall we?

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Jahrine Okutsu

Jahrine Okutsu believes that words are powerful tools for connecting people. Driven by this conviction, she earned a degree in Communication and now applies this principle daily in her role as a committed writer and editor.

In her downtime, she finds delight in the simple pleasures of life—watching movies, playing horror games, and sipping on a warm cup of coffee. She sometimes gets lost in daydreams, letting her imagination wander, while at other times, she finds focus and peace through spiritual practices. Her dog, Zoey, brings an extra layer of joy and fulfillment to her life.