WEBVTT

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When faced with a big challenge

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where potential failure seems
to lurk at every corner,

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maybe you've heard this advice before:

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"Be more confident."

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And most likely, this is what you think
when you hear it:

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"If only it were that simple."

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But what is confidence?

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Take the belief that you are valuable,
worthwhile, and capable,

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also known as self-esteem,

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add in the optimism that comes
when you are certain of your abilities,

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and then empowered by these,

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act courageously 
to face a challenge head-on.

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This is confidence.

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It turns thoughts into action.

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So where does confidence even come from?

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There are several factors 
that impact confidence.

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One: what you're born with,
such as your genes,

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which will impact things like the balance
of neurochemicals in your brain.

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Two: how you're treated.

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This includes the social pressures
of your environment.

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And three: the part you have control over,

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the choices you make,

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the risks you take,

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and how you think about 
and respond to challenges and setbacks.

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It isn't possible to completely untangle
these three factors,

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but the personal choices we make
certainly play a major role

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in confidence development.

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So, by keeping in mind 
a few practical tips,

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we do actually have the power to cultivate
our own confidence.

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Tip 1: a quick fix.

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There are a few tricks that can give you
an immediate confidence boost

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in the short term.

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Picture your success 
when you're beginning a difficult task,

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something as simple as listening to music
with deep bass;

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it can promote feelings of power.

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You can even strike a powerful pose
or give yourself a pep talk.

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Tip two: 
believe in your ability to improve.

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If you're looking for a long-term change,

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consider the way you think 
about your abilities and talents.

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Do you think they are fixed at birth,

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or that they can be developed,
like a muscle?

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These beliefs matter because
they can influence how you act

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when you're faced with setbacks.

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If you have a fixed mindset,

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meaning that you think your talents
are locked in place,

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you might give up,

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assuming you've discovered 
something you're not very good at.

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But if you have a growth mindset
and think your abilities can improve,

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a challenge is an opportunity
to learn and grow.

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Neuroscience supports the growth mindset.

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The connections in your brain do get
stronger and grow with study and practice.

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It also turns out, on average,

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people who have a growth mindset
are more successful,

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getting better grades,

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and doing better 
in the face of challenges.

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Tip three: practice failure.

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Face it, you're going to fail sometimes.

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Everyone does.

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J.K. Rowling was rejected by
twelve different publishers

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before one picked up "Harry Potter."

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The Wright Brothers built on history's
failed attempts at flight,

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including some of their own,

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before designing a successful airplane.

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Studies show that those who fail regularly
and keep trying anyway

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are better equipped to respond 
to challenges and setbacks

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in a constructive way.

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They learn how to try 
different strategies,

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ask others for advice,

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and perservere.

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So, think of a challenge 
you want to take on,

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realize it's not going to be easy,

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accept that you'll make mistakes,

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and be kind to yourself when you do.

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Give yourself a pep talk, 
stand up, and go for it.

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The excitement you'll feel knowing that
whatever the result,

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you'll have gained greater knowledge
and understanding.

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This is confidence.