Why do we look at someone and assume they are confident? Is it true that when someone is confident, they are less approachable, or that when someone is less confident, they are more susceptible to manipulation?

People tend to take advantage of those who appear to be less confident in themselves, according to Psychology. It also argues that those who are self-confident are stigmatsed by being deemed arrogant; this causes them to feel guilty, making them more vulnerable to manipulation as they try to please others by being less confident.

Self-confidence is easily confused with self-esteem or self-efficacy, which is why it is often mistaken for narcissism or arrogance, despite the fact that they are vastly different. 

Professor Albert Bandura, who has put out on the difference between self-efficacy and self-confidence, says that self-confidence is more of a general view of how likely you are to achieve a goal. If you have prepared thoroughly for a test, for example, you are more confident in your ability to pass it. Self-confidence indicates a broader picture of yourself, whether or not in comparison to others.

A confident person is more likely to seek improvement in their area of weakness than someone who believes little of themselves and has made peace with it, according to a New York Times article, ‘Practical ways to enhance your self-confidence and why you should’. 

True self-confidence, according to Charlie Houpert, author of ‘Charisma on Command’, will lead to increased positivity, happiness, and resilience. In his book, he states that having a high level of self-confidence leads to taking more risks, which leads to more rewards.

Here are five habits to practice in order to gain self-confidence:

Be clean and dress well: When you are clean and well-dressed, you not only appear organised, but you also feel at ease in your own skin. Being at ease with yourself improves your consciousness, and the rest follows.

Don’t be afraid to express yourself, speak clearly, and with a loud voice: It is easier to convey your message when people can hear you without difficulty. This minimises interruptions by allowing you to instantly catch their attention.

Maintain eye contact: Keeping eye contact demonstrates that you have nothing to hide and that you are not intimidated, so you not only appear but also feel confident.

Stand up straight and look ahead: It gives the impression that you are stable and generally unaffected by your surroundings.

Maintain a positive attitude and keep a smile: Some people believe that smiling makes you and those around you feel better. Cultivating optimism is critical because if you approach things from a positive perspective, you will not see yourself or others in a negative light.

Bonus: Fake it until you make it. The more you practice self-confidence the more confident you will become.

After you’ve achieved it, steer clear from the arrogance trap. While self-confidence is a reflection of one’s own perception of oneself, arrogance implies the recognition of others.