What is the Difference Between Confidence and Self-Confidence?

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The difference between confidence and self-confidence lies in their focus and origin.

  • Confidence is a general feeling of assurance and belief in one's abilities. It is often supported by experience and external evidence, such as past achievements or demonstrations of competence. Confidence can be directed towards another person or an object, such as having confidence in a friend's ability to solve a problem or in a tool's effectiveness.
  • Self-confidence, on the other hand, is an internal emotion that reflects a person's belief in their own abilities and skills. It is based on the trust and faith a person has in themselves, regardless of their experience or external evidence. Self-confidence is often considered the emotion of growth, as it allows individuals to take risks, try new things, and persevere in the face of challenges.

In summary, confidence is the trust or assurance in one's abilities and can be directed towards both oneself and others, while self-confidence is the internal belief and trust in one's own abilities and skills.

Comparative Table: Confidence vs Self-Confidence

The difference between confidence and self-confidence can be understood through the following table:

Confidence Self-Confidence
Refers to a general feeling of assurance and belief in one's abilities Refers to a belief in oneself and one's own abilities, sometimes in specific areas
Can be built through knowledge and practice Can be outward-facing and easier to build than self-esteem
Is something you feel inside and is something other people notice in you Is about our belief in our own abilities, whereas self-esteem relates to our sense of self and how we interact with the world
Is based on our capabilities and skills Can change depending on the situation
Is a measure of our belief in our own abilities Can be built through accomplishments and practice
Is something you feel inside and is not something other people notice in you Can exist in specific areas of life and is not necessarily a constant state
Develops and changes as a result of life experiences and interactions Overlaps with self-esteem but not necessarily dependent on each other for development

In summary, confidence is a general feeling of assurance in one's abilities, while self-confidence is a belief in oneself and one's abilities, sometimes in specific areas. Confidence can be built through knowledge and practice, whereas self-confidence can be outward-facing and easier to build than self-esteem.