What are the natural enemies of self confidence?
Fear: The Natural Enemy of Self Confidence

Self-Confidence is generally described as the ability of an individual to have faith and belief in his/her abilities. According to psychiatrists when one has self-confidence it normally results in having great self-esteem.

Self-esteem is defined as the “worth” that one can place on himself. It is his measurement of his own value as a person, in agreement to his behavior.

In addition, it is referred to as the respect and adoration in which one holds himself based on ones belief of what and who he is as a human being. This greatly affects one’s feelings about himself, about his life, about his relationships, and eventually determines his actions or how he accomplishes things.

The progress and growth of self-confidence correctly starts with self examination. The mind should be thoroughly inspected so that detrimental inclinations are checked, weaknesses are eliminated, and a right pattern of thought and behavior are established firmly.

According to studies fear is man's enemy hindering self confidence. These studies stressed clearly that ”fear thought” is an illness that can be detected and identified. It largely arises from corrupt mental pattern, wherein the mind is allowed consistently to dwell on doubtful thoughts, inefficiency and failure. This power will become great, when freely allowed, affecting your life to a less or greater degree in virtually every undertaking.

Ignorance is the basic and prime cause of fear, that when one is not aware of his “true nature”. A study showed that when one was convinced or has encountered his indestructible infinite “soul-nature”, then one would never feel fear. However, there are those who cannot or do not accept this, thus they feel separate, vulnerable, susceptible and isolated.

Fear of one’s self is demonstrated in several ways. You can experience shyness, diffidence, bashfulness, timidity and a need of “self-confidence”.

Here are some factors that contribute to one’s fear:
1. When we feel separated, fear increases. A fact is that one does not fear those he is familiar with (people and surroundings). Fear arises when there is a certain feeling of estrangement, which exhibits overall sense or impression of suspicion.

2. Attachment to individuals as well as material things associated with one’s security cause one to fear that one might loose them, so one will do everything in order to protect one’s relationships, possessions or his self-image.

3. Strange surroundings and unfamiliar people bring about fear. Unfamiliar situations threat one’s security and usually one reacts with extreme caution and at times, defensive behavior.

4. One’s negative memory of past experiences where one had either suffered or witnessed loss, harm or death aggravates fear. The subconscious retains memories of the past and at certain circumstances, these are ignited.

5. Imagination at times can create or invent images of trouble, suffering or pain outside physical truth or reality. Note that Imagination is never negative, however when misused and abused, it can bring so much fear in oneself.

Combat fear by developing self-confidence. Here are few guidelines:
1. Emphasize your strengths. Focus on what it is that you are capable of achieving and praise yourself for your strength and your struggle than focusing on the results. Beginning on a foundation of things that you are capable rather than what should you be doing will help you live and work within your limitations.

2. Talk to yourself. Examine yourself and practice how to handle situations as well as counter negative ones. Know when to stop when you catch yourself in a negative assumption.

For instance, when you find yourself demanding perfection, tell yourself that everything can not result perfectly. This will allow you to believe in yourself at the same time that you are striving to get better.

3. Evaluate yourself. Practice how to independently evaluate yourself. This will let you avoid the persistent sense of confusion that results when you are relying completely on the opinions and judgment of others.

4. Take those risks. When you face and accept experiences as instruments for learning than possibilities to lose or win, new opportunities can be unlocked and this can develop your self awareness and acceptance.

Remember, self-confidence can be developed, not inherited; and fear can be overcome because you have the trust and the faith in yourself to do so. Read as much as you can and then practise and act out as required. The more you do it, the better you become at overcoming your difficulties and becoming a better person.