Self-confidence is a highly over-used term in today's society.
Often in relation to the body-positivity/love-yourself movement, self-confidence is spoken of as an "acceptance" only attained by recognizing things about yourself, and then deeming them great regardless of truth.
Self-confidence is defined by: "a trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment." Meaning, but not limited to, that this confidence covers appearance, personality traits, and a vast spread of born-with-facts about yourself.
Self-confidence and self-assuredness have always been considered interchangeable definitions at the root. However, self-confidence by today's standards has swayed towards being based on physical appearance and a variety of ability, from intellect to athleticism.
Yet, despite this, the true meaning behind self-confidence is also defined as a "positive belief that in the future one can generally accomplish what one wishes to do."
Abraham Maslow and many other famous psychologists have insisted that there needs to be a definitive line between self-confidence as a generalized personality trait-- the most termed by today's society--, and self-confidence in regards to possessing the ability to meet a specific challenge.
Analysis studies on the topic have stated that self-confidence should be held in similar regards to self-efficacy, which is simply described as "an individual belief in his or her innate ability to achieve a goal."
Self-assuredness' definition, however, says:
1. Self-assuredness is self-confidence and feeling calmly certain in conducting oneself responsibly, especially in a situation where one is judged by the way one behaves.
2. Confidence in the validity, value, etc., of one's own ideas, opinions, etc.
3. Confident of one's own worth.
Self-assuredness proves to be more abstract, focusing on your values, morality, and opinions; the non-tangible. This assuredness is not only a simple confidence in yourself, which can be easily swayed or displaced in a matter of seconds, but a certainty in who you are, even when you lack said confidence.
This in itself, creates a deeper, more profound acknowledgment of self. Not to say that self-confidence isn't important, because it is, but it's also extremely fluctuating, leaning on the side of being surface-level amongst the millennial generation, and often short-term when used in reference to a goal.
To be assured of something and to be confident in something are two very different things. An assurance, always defined by the word "certainty," is deep-seeded into sincerity.
To believe in yourself, to be sure of your values, steadfast in your morality, prepared to defend it against judgement, and unwavering on the clarity of your own worth is what sets the two apart.
"I honestly believe that people of my generation despise authenticity, mostly because they're all so envious of it."
― Chuck Klosterman
Personally, fostering and solidifying a true understanding of my own values-- not necessarily my morality, which was already developed by my faith-- came from rooting myself in something that demanded them. For me, martial arts challenged my character and called into question my stance on things like displaying courtesy, how to integrate integrity into my everyday, what it means to persevere, how to stand in the face of controversy, and what standard of principle I expect myself to uphold throughout my life.
Whatever martial arts may stand for in your life; whatever urges you, that's what you want to pursue.
Living a life that is solid, possessing a sense of self that is authentic, and creating within yourself a boldness to defend it, is what it means to be more than self-confident. Secure in who you are, and steadfast in what you believe: that's the significance of being self-assured.
