Pure Wisdom

CHAPTER 5

Confident

We’re often told to aim high. But more often than not we set goals that are too hard rather than too easy. The problem is, if we’re out of our depth or experience consistent failure we erode our confidence. The typical solution is to set goals that stretch us but are achievable. For example: if we know we can manage only 10 push-ups, there’d be little point in setting a goal to do twenty. So we set a target we can achieve, say eleven, in the hope that our confidence will benefit from the success. Sounds like a sensible idea. But, as you’ll see, success isn’t the best way to build confidence.

Confidence is contagious.

Observing others performing well can build confidence too. To improve my karate techniques I have spent ...