If any of you have ever taken a psychology class, you have probably heard of the concept of self-efficacy.
This was one concept that really stuck out to me and has made a huge impact in my life. Self-efficacy is your belief that you have control of what happens to you and can succeed. For example, say you fail your math exam. Someone with low self-efficacy would think that the environment played a large role in it. They might say that they were born with a low IQ or that it was beyond their control. Someone with high self-efficacy would immediately start studying harder and would accredit their failure to circumstances that they could control such as lack of sleep or not eating right.
Obviously, a high self-efficacy is very important to a person’s success in life. A person with high self-efficacy will turn their failures into stepping stones. So how can you develop a sense of self-efficacy?
There are a few steps you can take:
Remember that it’s all about your attitude. One of my favorite poems states this perfectly. It’s called “State of Mind” by Walter Wintle.
If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't,
If you like to win, but you think you can't
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
This was one concept that really stuck out to me and has made a huge impact in my life. Self-efficacy is your belief that you have control of what happens to you and can succeed. For example, say you fail your math exam. Someone with low self-efficacy would think that the environment played a large role in it. They might say that they were born with a low IQ or that it was beyond their control. Someone with high self-efficacy would immediately start studying harder and would accredit their failure to circumstances that they could control such as lack of sleep or not eating right.
Obviously, a high self-efficacy is very important to a person’s success in life. A person with high self-efficacy will turn their failures into stepping stones. So how can you develop a sense of self-efficacy?
There are a few steps you can take:
- Set realistic goals. Successfully accomplishing small goals will give you confidence in your abilities and will increase your self-efficacy.
- Watch others. Observing other people succeed can help you to perform the same task successfully and give you more confidence.
- Positive self-talk. Encouraging yourself and writing down constructive feedback after completing a task can help you to improve the next time you do it.
- Find a buddy or mentor. Receiving encouragement from others plays a big role in your self-efficacy.
- Control your emotions. Realize that moods, emotions and stress can decrease your sense of self-efficacy. Find ways to control anxiety and relieve stress.
Remember that it’s all about your attitude. One of my favorite poems states this perfectly. It’s called “State of Mind” by Walter Wintle.
If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't,
If you like to win, but you think you can't
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
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