We all know self-confidence is critical to both personal and business success. However, despite a track record of success in a certain situation we can still feel like we wish we had more confidence overall and even in that situation.

Our research indicates there are two levels of self-confidence: Internal and Situational.

Internal Self-Confidence

Internal self-confidence is rooted in self-discipline, which leads to self-respect, which results in self-confidence. It is these factors of self-discipline and self-respect which result in our internal self-confidence, and the starting point for our level of confidence in any given situation. This is why so many efforts to increase self-confidence fail since people are trying to change an outcome (self-confidence) without addressing the drivers of that outcome.

Situational Self-Confidence

Situational (social, work, recreational, etc.) self-confidence is a combination of our internal self-confidence adjusted for past experiences, if any, and perceptions about our ability in that particular situation. This mix of internal/external drivers of self-confidence explains why some people can more comfortably approach a completely new situation than others, or deal with surprises.

This internal/external mix is also why some people never seem to be able to reach a desired level of self-confidence in a given situation regardless of their level of experience in that situation. Their internal level of confidence may simply be such that even when positive situational experiences are added to it, the overall level of self-confidence simply isn’t high enough. Only by focusing on their self-discipline and self-respect will they be able to raise up that overall level of self-confidence to the level they want.

Relatedly, this mix is also why some people bounce back quickly from a "failure" or negative experience, while others seem to be deeply damaged by it. Those with a high level of internal self-confidence are, in a sense, insulated from the negative experience associated with that one situation and able to draw from their inner self-confidence to learn from it and move on.

Building Self-Confidence

Far from being driven by an attitude, self-confidence is built by actions and experience and the starting point is with ourselves. If you wish to build a high level of self-confidence it is important to focus less on self-confidence itself, and more on building self-discipline. Your success is mastering yourself will build not only your abilities but also your sense of self respect. When you respect yourself you will naturally have more confidence in any given situation and be able to brush off setbacks and work through challenges.