9 phrases only extremely confident people use, according to psychology

Confidence isn’t about putting on a show or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about embracing who you are and expressing it without fear or hesitation.

When you’re extremely confident, it reflects not just in your actions, but in your words as well. Psychology tells us that there are certain phrases that only truly confident people tend to use.

These phrases aren’t about showing off or trying to impress others. Rather, they are expressions of self-assuredness and belief in one’s abilities.

So, let’s dive into these 9 phrases that only extremely confident people use, according to psychology. These phrases can provide insight into the mindset of those with high self-confidence and perhaps inspire you to incorporate them into your own speech.

1) “I don’t know”

Counterintuitive as it may seem, one phrase that extremely confident people aren’t afraid to use is “I don’t know”.

Most people might assume that expressing uncertainty can be seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence. But according to psychology, the opposite is true.

Confident people understand that it’s impossible to know everything. They aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers. Rather than seeing it as a flaw, they view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

“I don’t know” shows humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to seek out new information. It’s a phrase that allows confident people to maintain their integrity, even when faced with unfamiliar situations or challenging questions.

So next time you find yourself unsure about something, instead of fumbling for an answer, try saying “I don’t know”. It might just be the most confident response you can give.

2) “I was wrong”

Another phrase that takes a lot of confidence to say is “I was wrong”.

Admitting mistakes is not always easy. It can feel like you’re exposing a vulnerability, leaving yourself open to criticism. But in my own experience, I’ve found it to be a powerful tool for personal growth.

I remember a time when I was leading a project at work. I was convinced that my strategy was the right one and pushed for it despite some reservations from my team. As it turned out, the strategy wasn’t as effective as I had anticipated.

Instead of trying to cover up the failure or shift the blame, I gathered my team and said, “I was wrong”. It was a difficult phrase to utter but it turned out to be a turning point not just for the project, but for my leadership style as well.

Admitting I was wrong opened up a dialogue for alternative solutions and brought the team closer together. It showed them that I valued their input and wasn’t too proud to admit my mistakes.

Extremely confident people understand that recognizing their errors doesn’t diminish their worth or capability. On the contrary, it demonstrates their strength of character and commitment to improvement.

3) “No”

You might be surprised to find “No” on this list. After all, aren’t confident people supposed to be go-getters who always say “Yes” to new opportunities?

Well, not exactly.

The reality is that saying “No” requires a great deal of confidence. It’s about setting boundaries and understanding your own limits. It’s about respecting your own time, energy, and needs.

Interestingly, research from the University of California in San Francisco shows that the more difficulty you have saying no, the more likely you are to experience stress, burnout, and even depression.

Confident people understand this link and aren’t afraid to say “No” when they need to. They realize that by doing so, they’re not only protecting their mental health but also ensuring that they can fully commit to the things they say “Yes” to.

4) “I trust you”

The phrase “I trust you” is another one that confident people use often.

Trust involves letting go of control and believing in someone else’s abilities. This can be challenging, especially when the stakes are high.

However, confident people understand the importance of trust in any relationship, be it personal or professional. They know that by saying “I trust you,” they are empowering others, fostering mutual respect, and building stronger bonds.

Moreover, expressing trust in others also reflects a self-assuredness in their own judgement of people’s character and capabilities.

So, whether it’s delegating a task to a colleague or seeking advice from a friend, confident people aren’t afraid to say these three powerful words: “I trust you”.

5) “I need help”

Many people shy away from saying “I need help”. They see it as an admission of weakness, a sign that they can’t handle things on their own.

But for confident people, it’s a different story.

They understand that everyone needs help sometimes, and there’s no shame in asking for it. They recognize that seeking assistance isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an indicator of strength and wisdom.

By saying “I need help”, confident people show that they value the skills and expertise of others, and that they aren’t too proud to learn from them.

This phrase is a testament to their self-assurance and understanding that no one can do everything on their own. It shows their humility and willingness to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.

6) “I appreciate you”

“I appreciate you” is a phrase that confident people use sincerely and often.

We all like to feel appreciated. It validates our efforts and makes us feel valued. But expressing appreciation towards others requires confidence. It means acknowledging the value that others bring to your life.

Confident people aren’t just secure in their own worth; they’re also quick to recognize the worth of others. They don’t see expressing appreciation as a threat to their own value, but rather as a way to build stronger, more positive relationships.

Saying “I appreciate you” is more than just a nice thing to do. It’s a powerful statement that can inspire, motivate, and uplift the people around you. And confident people understand that the ability to make others feel valued is a strength, not a weakness.

7) “I’m sorry”

Confident people aren’t afraid to say “I’m sorry”.

Apologizing when you’re wrong doesn’t make you weak, it shows that you value your relationships more than your ego. It demonstrates emotional intelligence and empathy.

There was a time when I made a mistake that negatively affected a close friend. Despite feeling embarrassed and defensive, I knew I had to apologize. Saying “I’m sorry” was uncomfortable, but it was also liberating. It helped mend the relationship, and taught me a valuable lesson about humility and accountability.

Confident people understand that we all make mistakes, and that saying “I’m sorry” is an important step towards learning and growing from those mistakes.

8) “I can do it”

“I can do it” is a phrase that radiates confidence.

This phrase is all about self-belief and determination. It’s about taking on challenges head-on and having faith in your own capabilities.

Confident people don’t shy away from challenges or difficult tasks. Instead, they embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. They’re not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone because they believe in their ability to handle whatever comes their way.

By saying “I can do it”, confident people not only affirm their own abilities, but also inspire those around them with their positive, can-do attitude. It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a mindset that can drive success in all areas of life.

9) “I love myself”

The phrase “I love myself” is perhaps the most powerful one that confident people use.

Loving oneself isn’t about vanity or arrogance. It’s about acknowledging your worth, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and treating yourself with kindness and respect.

Confident people understand that self-love forms the foundation for all other types of love and success in life. They know that you can’t truly value others or achieve your full potential until you value and love yourself.

So if there’s one phrase you should incorporate into your daily life, let it be this one: “I love myself”. Because loving yourself is the first step towards true confidence.

Final thoughts: It’s all about authenticity

The power of language is immense. The phrases we use can shape our reality, influence our relationships, and define our self-perception.

As we’ve explored the phrases only extremely confident people use, one key theme emerges: authenticity.

These phrases – “I don’t know”, “I was wrong”, “No”, “I trust you”, “I need help”, “I appreciate you”, “I’m sorry”, “I can do it”, and “I love myself” – are all expressions of honesty, vulnerability, and self-assuredness. They reflect a genuine understanding and acceptance of oneself and others.

Confidence isn’t about pretending or putting on a façade. It’s about being true to who you are, recognizing your worth, and valuing the worth of others.

So as you reflect on these phrases, consider how they resonate with your own experiences and mindset. Remember, true confidence comes from within, and these phrases are simply tools to express it outwardly.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” That, in essence, is the heart of confidence.