Confidence is a highly valued aspect of well-being—the ability to feel assured in yourself without being overbearing. There are at least two common strategies for developing confidence: one focused on results and achievements, the other grounded in effort.
Consider a university student preparing for a final exam. The results-oriented learner believes that achieving a top grade is all that matters. They cram the material, obsess over knowing everything—down to the obscure topics—and aim to perform with speed, precision, and expertise. But because they can't control the exam itself, they often compensate by overworking, stressing out, and anxiously pacing outside the exam hall. Ironically, despite recognising the importance of confidence, their approach tends to erode it.
By contrast, the effort-oriented learner takes a different path. They begin by creating a study plan, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and consistently applying themselves through useful, targeted learning. Their belief is simple: if they’ve put in their best, most honest effort, then they can have confidence that the results will reflect that. They focus on what they can control—their preparation—and trust the outcome, whatever it may be. Whether they succeed or fall short, they reflect, learn, and grow. Over time, this mindset strengthens their self-assurance, as they witness the relationship between effort and improvement.
Now imagine you're heading into a job interview, meeting a new client, preparing for a driving test, or starting a new relationship. In each case, confidence can significantly affect the outcome. You can either obsess over the result or invest fully in your effort. The latter is far more empowering—and much more within your control.
As Henry Ford said,
“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”
Believing in your effort nurtures real confidence. By striving to be the best version of yourself through genuine effort, you build resilience, self-belief, and well-being. Focus too much on the result, and you risk losing all three.