The Reason for Low Self Confidence

How to Gain Confidence

On this page: The critical reason for low self confidence. Ideas on how to gain confidence. Points to self esteem building and self esteem help.

The reason for low self confidence can almost always be summed up in this one word:

Identifying and recognizing what we are afraid of, is an important first step in learning and understanding how to build confidence, and also for overcoming low self esteem.

What kind of fears make people less confident?

Fear of:

• Embarrassment
  (eg: public speaking fear)
• Rejection
(eg: fear of asking someone out)
• Criticism
(eg: fear of speaking out our opinion)
• Failure
(eg: fear of trying new things)

to name a few.

Fears like these usually originate, and gain ground, from our perception of how other people would react at us - based on our past experiences or our imagination - leading us to being shy when not necessary.

And not only do they erode our self confidence, but worse, sometimes these dreaded feelings escalate into anxiety attacks as well.

"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." -Sally Field

Have a story to tell about how you faced your fears in a particular situation? How would you like to have a web page built around your story?

Then, as we slowly gain belief in ourselves, it is only a matter of time before the lack of self confidence becomes a matter of past.

"The only thing we have to be afraid of, is fear itself" -Franklin D Roosevelt

For instance, fear of failure could arise when we set tangible or intangible goals for ourselves, and start to evaluate our self worth based on our progress in achieving these goals.

Tying our self worth to such goals could point to a low self esteem, which always leads to lack of self confidence as well.

"Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are." -Malcolm S. Forbes

Are you someone who learns better by listening? If so, these audio books might help you in gaining self confidence, by learning to face your fears:

• Eminent leadership expert Robin Sharma guides you here through 8 key tools to conquer your fear and limiting beliefs, and provides you with the ultimate cure for fear.
• If you are someone who has difficulty making decisions, Dr. Susan Jeffers not only exhorts you to feel the fear and do it anyway, but provides you with solid techniques that can help you face your fears, and eliminate low self confidence from your life.

Return from Low Self Confidence Page
to Gaining Self Confidence Home

Self Improvement Advice Home

How to Gain Confidence Article

Confidence and Self Esteem Books