Ava Sinclair
Confidence is not about showboating or trying to control others. It’s a quiet certainty in oneself that doesn’t require validation.
Genuinely confident people have a way with words that reflects their self-assured nature. Yet, there are certain phrases you’ll never hear them utter.
Why? Because these phrases can undermine their confidence, making them appear unsure or insecure.
In this piece, we will delve into the language of confidence, specifically focusing on what confident people don’t say. Let’s dive into the 9 phrases that are noticeably absent from a truly confident person’s vocabulary.
1) “I can’t”
Confidence is about having faith in your abilities and maintaining a positive self-image, even when faced with challenges.
Genuinely confident people are not immune to difficulties or setbacks. They too face situations where they’re unsure or things don’t go as planned. But what sets them apart is their response to these situations.
You’ll rarely hear a truly confident person say “I can’t”. This phrase indicates doubt, uncertainty and a lack of belief in one’s own abilities – all of which are not characteristics of a confident person.
Instead, confident individuals tend to use phrases like “I will try” or “I will find a way”. They believe in their ability to overcome obstacles and persist until they achieve what they aim for.
Language shapes perception. The words we choose can either bolster our confidence or undermine it. So, steer clear of the phrase “I can’t” if you want to cultivate genuine confidence.
2) “I’m just lucky”
Now, here’s something I’ve noticed about truly confident people – they don’t attribute their success to luck.
I remember a time early in my career when I was working on a challenging project. After long hours and lots of hard work, the project was successful. When complimented, my initial response was to downplay my role and say, “I was just lucky.”
But a mentor of mine pointed out that this wasn’t just about luck. It was about the hard work, dedication, and skill I had put into the project. By attributing the success to luck, I was undervaluing my contribution.
This stuck with me. I realized that truly confident people don’t dismiss their achievements as mere luck. They acknowledge their efforts and the role they played in their success.
3) “That was easy”
Genuinely confident people are aware of their abilities and the effort it takes to achieve results. It’s rare to hear them say “That was easy” after accomplishing a task, because they understand the importance of acknowledging their efforts.
This phrase can unintentionally diminish the value of the work put in and create an unrealistic expectation for others who might find the same task challenging.
People who downplay their efforts are perceived as more competent, but less likable. Moreover, their accomplishments are viewed as less impressive, due to the apparent ease with which they were achieved.
So, if you want to display genuine confidence, avoid saying “That was easy”. Instead, acknowledge the effort you’ve put in and take pride in your achievements.
4) “It’s not my fault”
Accountability is a hallmark of genuine confidence. Truly confident people do not shy away from taking responsibility for their actions, especially when things go wrong.
You will rarely hear a confident person say, “It’s not my fault”. Instead, they are more likely to accept their role in the situation. They focus on learning from the experience and finding solutions rather than pointing fingers.
By doing so, they demonstrate their resilience and commitment to personal growth, which are key aspects of true confidence.
It’s not about never making mistakes. It’s about owning them, learning from them, and growing stronger as a result. This is how you build true and lasting confidence.
5) “I know”
Genuine confidence doesn’t translate to having all the answers. In fact, truly confident people are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something.
You won’t often hear a confident person interrupt someone with an “I know”. This phrase can come off as dismissive or arrogant, indicating a closed-off mindset.
Confident individuals are open to learning and growing. They understand that everyone – including themselves – has room for improvement. They value others’ input and are eager to expand their knowledge.
So, instead of cutting off conversations with “I know”, try phrases like “That’s an interesting perspective” or “I hadn’t thought of it that way”. This shows respect for others’ views and a willingness to learn – true signs of confidence.
6) “I’m not good enough”
Confidence is rooted in self-belief. It’s about recognizing your own worth and abilities. A phrase you’ll never hear from a truly confident person is “I’m not good enough”.
This self-deprecating statement is a direct hit to your self-esteem. It suggests a lack of belief in your own capabilities and can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where you begin to live down to your own negative expectations.
Confident individuals, on the other hand, are their own biggest cheerleaders. They may have moments of self-doubt, but they don’t let these fleeting thoughts define them.
If you find yourself thinking “I’m not good enough”, remember that we all have unique strengths. We are all worthy of respect and success. Confidence comes from recognizing and embracing this truth.
7) “I should have”
Regret can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s something I’ve grappled with more times than I care to admit. The phrase “I should have” has often echoed in my mind after I made a mistake or missed an opportunity.
But I’ve noticed that genuinely confident people rarely use this phrase. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or what could have been, they focus on the present and future.
They understand that the path to success is paved with missteps. Rather than getting stuck in a loop of regret, they learn from their experiences and use them as stepping stones to move forward.
Next time you catch yourself saying “I should have”, try shifting your perspective. Treat each experience as a learning opportunity and remember that every step – even the backward ones – lead you closer to your goals.
8) “They’re better than me”
It’s natural to compare ourselves to others, especially in a world that’s constantly showcasing success. However, confident people understand that everyone’s journey is unique.
When you hear someone say “They’re better than me,” it’s usually a sign of insecurity and self-doubt. It indicates a focus on others’ achievements rather than recognizing one’s own.
Truly confident people, however, do not belittle their own worth or abilities in comparison to others. They recognize that everyone has different strengths, skills, and experiences.
Instead of comparing themselves unfavorably to others, confident individuals focus on their personal growth and goals. They celebrate others’ success without letting it undermine their own self-worth.
Remember to run your own race. Measure your progress by your own standards, not someone else’s. This is the path to genuine self-confidence.
9) “I’m a failure”
Here’s the most crucial point to remember: confident people do not identify themselves with their failures.
Even in the face of setbacks or disappointments, you won’t hear a truly confident person say “I’m a failure”. They understand that failing at something does not make them a failure as a person.
Failure is an event, not an identity. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Confident people see it as a stepping stone on the path to success, not as a final destination.
Whenever you face a setback, remember it doesn’t define you. You are not your failures. Your value lies in your ability to learn from your experiences and keep moving forward.
Final thoughts: It’s a mindset
The essence of genuine confidence is a state of mind that goes beyond mere words. It’s a reflection of your self-belief, resilience, and respect for yourself and others.
Confident individuals tend not to use self-deprecating language. Instead, they employ empowering words that reinforce their self-belief and resilience. This positive inner dialogue acts as a powerful tool in shaping their reality.
So, as you navigate your journey towards genuine confidence, be mindful of the phrases you use and the thoughts you entertain. Remember that your words reflect your mindset and can either empower or undermine you.
In the end, true confidence isn’t about pretending or performing; it’s about believing in yourself and embracing your unique journey with all its ups and downs. It’s about recognizing your worth and capabilities and expressing them authentically.
