John Wooden viewed confidence as "respect without fear" built primarily through thorough preparation, self-discipline, and focusing on the process, not just results, enabling poise and the right to be proud. He stressed that you can't expect others to trust you if you don't trust your own preparation, and that true confidence comes from knowing what you are capable of. Wooden's "Pyramid of Success" highlights confidence as a key trait, achieved by mastering fundamentals and consistently doing your best.