The Importance of Intellectual Self Confidence

Lack of self-confidence is one of the most destructive factors in the learning process..

Experience shows that success frequently leads to more success, and, unfortunately, failure leads to more failure. Students who fail often tend to develop a negative self-image that is difficult to reverse. They begin to focus on mistakes and shortcomings, and rather than benefit from a healthy self-criticism, they fall into a habit of discouragement and defeatism. With this kind of mental attitude, learning becomes difficult. Educators understand this, and they realize that if progress and achievement are going to happen, students must be given opportunities for a measure of success.

Self-confidence derives essentially from accomplishment. If young students are first given assignments that they can complete successfully, they will accept more difficult ones with confidence and a stronger belief in their own abilities. Students must be given tasks that are challenging, certainly, but it is important that these assignments lie within the scope of their skills and abilities. Unreasonable expectations will only lead to discouragement and a depreciation of self-confidence.

The great achievers in science, technology, exploration, and the arts, both of the past and in the present day, are characterized by a boundless belief in their own abilities. They are energized by a vision of achievement, and it seems to them that failure is not an option. Initial setbacks are viewed as temporary delays. Achievers do not mind starting over or redoing difficult tasks, because they know that in the end they will succeed. But this positive mental attitude is not innate, nor did it develop by chance. It is a result of good education, positive encouragement during the early years, and many opportunities to succeed. In short, achievers are people who passionately believe in themselves.