After having lived 25 years and counting on this beautiful planet, it is safe to say that I do have enough experience under my belt but is it essential to my self-confidence? The short answer is NO! I don't believe that experience is what aids in the increase of our self-confidence or its lack thereof. Experience is necessary but not in all aspects of life. Self-confidence is something we all work towards and never a destination so saying that experience builds character is downright lying to yourself and a way to remain in your comfort zone. Self-confidence is learned through books, articles, socializing with other people that have gone through certain situations or series of events that maybe one day you will face. Listen closely if you want to know the key to gaining self-confidence without necessarily having all the baggage that comes with experience and the pursuit of making mistakes willingly.