On Confidence

MS Dhoni had once said that he wants players who are confident. Because when the situation gets tough, those who have self-belief come through and win, while the people who doubt or second-guess themselves usually fail. When I first heard this comment, I was angry. It felt personal and like an attack. But now I sort of agree with it.

Anybody who wants to succeed has to work hard, learn the skill and try to master it. But on the big stage, nearly everybody around has done it. The thing that differentiates the winners from the losers is the ability to handle pressure. The pressure handling comes from self belief and confidence. If one doubts oneself and wants an external reassurance, the thought of what if creeps in and that destroys one from inside. To win - one has to change what if to so what!

Confidence rubs off on people too. When one is confident, it shows to the other person to trust this person and follow this person. Confidence and self belief combined with the knowledge of the domain is the main thing which will pull people towards you.

Hence whenever faced with a situation, suck it up, keep calm and carry on. So what! is the mantra - keep it, build it, be confident and move to the target, everything else is a delusion. You are the best! Know it! Repeat it and live it.