Confidence: the Stuff of Triumph

Confidence: the stuff of heroes ... the secret of kings ... the essence of champions ... the trait of true leadership. What is it exactly and where does it come from? Are we born with it, or is it acquired? Can it be developed, or is it discovered? Any thoughts, readers? What do you think confidence really, truly is...? Does it exist, like the picture suggests, purely because and when we believe that it does?

Lots of questions but I think they're important ones in any discussion of personal Triumph. We've all seen those men and women who seem to exude confidence--it seems to almost ooze from their pores. In my experience, it's a mystery. Why do some have it and others don't? Why do some of us struggle while, to others, it comes so naturally, so easily, it seems? It's an age-old question.

For some, confidence is consistent, at other times it's fleeting. Sometimes it's a facade, a wave, a ripple moving like a tiny fishing ship tossed at sea. Other times, it's real and strong and seemingly immovable, like a giant sequoia tree in the deepest forest. As we know, both get blown by the wind, even ravaged at times, but one isn't moved and the other one is, and maybe even drowned; we've all experienced this. Even the most confident of us, at times, feel vulnerable, shaken and alone. And then, we're strong again, confident.... It's bizarre, a good question, a good topic for discussion. And then, I ask you, at the same time, isn't vulnerability and worry, in certain ways, an asset or a strength as well? Isn't it a sign of true confidence to admit when you are human, wavering or weak? Isn't this the essence of strength ... to be honest in your weakness, to admit when you're not perfect but, rather, to be human, authentic, accessible and real?

Lots of great questions. We all want to be confident and I think we all can be, in our own personal ways. One man's confidence is another man's weakness. One may seem arrogant. Another may seem too subdued. I think, ultimately, it doesn't really matter: it is for each of us to decide if our brand of confidence makes us happy and if it's moving us in the direction we desire. If it is then it's sufficient. If it isn't, then we need to keep trying. As long as we are okay with ourselves or, at least, okay with the person we're becoming, then we're good to go. We can sleep well at night and wake prepared for what life hands us. We can Triumph over it all. No other opinion matters nearly as much as does our own.

Another bit of good news is that, regardless of how we currently may see ourselves, we can improve upon that perception and that preparation and situation, and do so all the rest of our lives. We're rarely stuck in the process of progression. We never have to be satisfied with the status quo, who we are or how we act or interact today. We can get better, little by little, if we truly desire ... and this is the essence of how we Triumph over life: we never lie down. At the same time, it's okay to be at peace with who we see in the mirror, to love ourselves, if we do ... and to be pleased with the person we've become and are unveiling. It's a Triumphant "balancing act" of sorts, but one that is important we each define. When are we good enough? When are we strong enough? When is it okay for us to relax and stop trying so hard? Answer that question and we'll find more satisfaction and joy than we probably thought possible. We'll feel more sure, more peaceful and, ultimately ... more confident, and that, my friends, is rarely a negative thing.

I'll stop talking now. It's late. Please ... share your thoughts. When do you feel most confident? What have you found that helps you get there? What, in your own life, has helped you develop greater confidence, and courage? What do you suggest the rest of can do to get there in our own separate ways? Please share with us your insights and ideas.

Thanks for listening. I appreciate "the shot in the arm" your ongoing readership provides.

Ever more wise and more confident,

JP River