Last season on Bright & Wize, Dr. Nikki Blacksmith and Dr. Mo McCusker explained that confidence is a mindset that emerges from the highly interrelated human elements of neuroticism, self-efficacy, locus of control, and self-esteem. This episode revisits these personal elements that influence our confidence and then explores the soft skills that are foundational to building stronger self-confidence. These skills are critical thinking, problem-solving, communicating effectively, and knowing our strengths and weaknesses.

• Critical Thinking meets the esteem element of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs because it powers accomplishing things or goals. Critical thinking leads to sounder decision-making and more successful outcomes. We more clearly see our value from these satisfying outcomes, increasing our self-esteem or self-worth.
• Problem-solving requires strong cause and effect analysis powered by critical thinking. A systematic, analytical approach to solving problems leads to the creation of solutions that address the core cause of the problem. With more successful results, we believe we can accomplish more ambitious goals. Which improves our self-efficacy and locus of control.
• Communicating effectively, confidently. After building stronger cause and effect and new data analysis approaches, it is time to present our opinions, ideas, or recommendations confidently. Effective communicators structure their conversations so that they are easy for their listeners to understand. With greater understanding comes higher recognition of our abilities by our co-workers, fueling greater self-worth.
• Strengths and weaknesses. Confident individuals recognize they are not experts at everything. They know what they do well and what they do not. They know asking for help is a strength in itself, and it leads to greater fulfillment and less disappointment, increasing their self-esteem or self-worth.