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Factors that Decrease Self Confidence
It is important to identify the factors that contribute to low self-confidence and take steps to improve self-esteem
and confidence:
• Negative self-talk: Constantly criticising oneself and having negative thoughts, can lead to low self-esteem and
confidence. Especially, when we think we cannot do a particular work.
• Past experiences: When we keep thinking about our experience of pain, hurt, or trauma in the past. Instead of
learning from them we feel bad about it.
• Lack of Skills or Knowledge: Feeling unprepared or lacking the necessary skills for a task or situation can
decrease confidence.
• Not putting enough effort: When we expect to be successful at the first attempt itself and do not try again.
• Criticism: When we are surrounded by people who have a negative attitude and constant criticism in the form
of verbal or behavioural criticism from them can harm self-esteem and confidence.
• Stress and Anxiety: Persistent stress or anxiety can undermine confidence and make it difficult to cope with
challenges.
Factors That Help in Building Self-Confidence
People who lack confidence have excuses, whereas people with confidence have ambition to grow and rule the
world. There are various factors that influence our self-confidence. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.
Physical
Physical factors will influence the personality of a person. It includes your body language, physical appearance,
good health, personal hygiene and grooming, non-verbal signs and gestures, mood swings, speaking style, and
accent.
Good personal hygiene with a healthy physique boosts self confidence in a person. This will bring a positive mood
and a great sense of happiness. People around you will treat you well. With this positive public image you will easily
achieve your goals in life. For example:
• Wearing appropriate interview attire will help make the best first impression.
• A student with good oratory skills will always perform better in a class debate than a participant who is
unexpressive.
Social
Social factors include our society and people around us. It can be the people in our classroom, family at home, friends
in our colony, colleagues in our workplace, strangers on the street. Each one of us needs a push to start working
harder, all of us want to be motivated by loved ones around us. The pressure of society has a very strong impact on the
self-confidence of a person and will affect the performance of a person to a certain level. For example, Dr. Seuss,
the famous author of children’s literature, was rejected by nearly 27 publishers early in his career.
Cultural
Cultural impact is the behavioural characteristics of people based on their surroundings, religions, traditions, customs,
and festivals. We need to be sensitive to people belonging to different backgrounds. It shapes how we see ourselves
and others in our society. Also a family’s cultural values shape the development of a child. Young children may
describe themselves based upon their family’s values. For example, some cultures do not allow women to step out of
Self-Management Skills-I 35

