Self-Confidence vs. Self-Efficacy

Self-confidence, the belief in your skills and abilities to accomplish whatever you might be after, is certainly key to success.  And it is something that I coach folks to help them improve (should that be a goal they have of course.).  

Now here is what I have found to often underpin self-confidence, that is, self-efficacy.

One can believe in their skills and abilities, but those aren't all that is needed to accomplish a goal.  Self-efficacy is the belief that you can ENGAGE in the BEHAVIOURS that are needed to accomplish your goal. 

See the difference?  I might believe that I have the skill to perform a squat and a lunge, BUT if I don't believe that I can get to the gym 2-3 times per week to practice that squat or lunge, I won't see an improvement in my lift.

And here's just a little more background:

Psychologist Albert Bandura coined the term self-efficacy in 1977 to describe a person’s belief in their ability to overcome obstacles and find success in a given situation. 

That is if I believe that I can engage in the behaviours necessary to achieve something, then it allows me to better roll with the punches when obstacles arise, as the "to-dos" may change to tackle those obstacles, BUT I believe that I can engage in whatever is necessary! 

So, how to improve your self-efficacy?  Bandura's 4 methods are:

1) Mastery experiences.  Start small, with bite-sized tasks, and let yourself master those.  And then tackle something a little bit harder.  Step-by-step as your experience grows (and you engage in the behaviours necessary to do this new thing) so does your self-efficacy. 

2) Role models.  Find someone that might be in a similar situation that has done what you've done.  If we can see it, we can believe it (and as an aside, THIS is why representation matters!) 

3) Social persuasion.  Ask for feedback from folks you know will be respectful, and honest.  They'll give you a high five when you've done a job well, and they'll give constructive feedback to move you toward mastering the task

4) The last point, is an important one.  The above strategies are easier to move through when we are in a positive frame of mind.  If someone is struggling with depression or even a lower mood, a little extra time and grace with one's self will be needed. 

So, what do you think?  How is your self-efficacy?

By the way....I believe in you!  I know you can do the thing and engage in those behaviours!

-Deanna