Self-confidence and Self-efficacy

Evidence-based confidence

In high performance, self-confidence is not blind faith or magical thinking ("I think I will win").

It is defined as the reasoned certainty of possessing the resources to overcome a challenge. The coach helps to build this scaffolding based on experiences of mastery. It involves auditing the athlete's past to find real evidence of success.

When doubt strikes, the mind must have quick access to a "database" of previous accomplishments, successful workouts and personal bests.

If the coach has worked to record these facts, the athlete does not need to "manufacture" false confidence; he need only remember his proven competence. Solid confidence is built brick by brick on facts, not wishful thinking.

The four sources of self-efficacy

Following Bandura, coaching works on the four sources that fuel self-efficacy. The most potent is performance achievement (having done it before).

The second is modeling (seeing others doing it), where the coach can use videos of technical references.

The third is verbal persuasion (credible feedback from the environment), and the fourth is the interpretation of physiological states (not seeing nerves as fear).

The coach is especially concerned with reinterpreting physical activation as a signal that the body is "ready and charged" to perform, transforming a possible source of insecurity into a confirmation of ability.

From desire to operational conviction

Ultimately, the goal is to transition from a "want-to-win" mentality (which generates anxiety about the future) to a "know-yourself-ready" mentality (which generates security in the present). This is the true success mentality.

It involves accepting that failure is possible, but maintaining an unwavering faith in the quality of one's preparation. The coach facilitates this state through the use of realistic affirmations and techniques.

Instead of repeating empty mantras such as "I am the best", the athlete internalizes operational certainties such as "I have trained this defense a thousand times and I know how to react".

This cognitive security allows talent to express itself freely, without the handbrake of fear of external judgment or inadequacy.

Summary

Self-confidence is the reasoned certainty of possessing the resources to overcome challenges. It is built on facts and previous recorded achievements, not on wishful thinking or magical thoughts without basis.

There are four sources of self-efficacy: self-achievement, modeling, verbal persuasion and physiological states. The coach emphasizes seeing physical activation as a sign of readiness and capability.

The ultimate goal is to move from the desire to win to operational conviction. Accepting possible error while keeping faith in one's own preparation allows talent to be expressed.