Invicta Vlogs
Self-Belief and Confidence
Exam season is coming to an end, so I would like to take this opportunity to discuss self-belief: a quality important not only during examinations but also in day-to-day life.
I am sure we have all heard that voice at some point that says: "you can't do this". We look to prepare ourselves for disappointment and failure so that we are not disheartened if it arrives. It is only natural for our brains to engage in survival techniques such as this, making us feel adapted and safe. Undermining our hard work mentally by convincing ourselves that we are underprepared may comfort us in the short term, but what are the impacts?
We are more likely to perform well if we speak positively about ourselves. A Spanish study of athletes found that those repeating positive self-statements performed better than those repeating negative ones. Self-worth is affected not only by what others say of us but how we speak of ourselves too. I have found this to be true on several occasions.
For example, I remember the first time someone invited me to run with them. I looked at them in disbelief and told them I couldn't do it. I did not believe I could run for more than 5 minutes, let alone complete their route. So, when we were out, after about 5 minutes, I stopped and walked the rest. The next time I went out, I hid my clock from myself and decided to run until I felt that I had pushed myself as hard as I should. To my surprise, when I uncovered the time, I had run for much longer. There were no significant changes between these two attempts, except my attitude towards my ability. Since then, I have worked to maintain this approach and now find myself enjoying running – something I previously didn't believe possible.
This principle is not exclusive to athletic efforts but also applies academically and in day-to-day life. I recently watched a video on advice from world leaders, and the recommendation that resonated with me the most was to ignore the voice that says you're not good enough. They spoke of the importance of confidence – one of Invicta's key characteristics – stating that everyone who inspires you has overcome self-doubt to ensure there was no room for others to doubt them. You have to be confident in your ability before the majority will be confident in you.
I am guilty of not being kind enough to myself from time to time, but the pandemic made me more aware of this. Spending so much time with myself, in lockdowns and isolations, made me realise that my attitude influences my ability, along with other factors. On days where I was kinder to myself, I found myself being more productive and centred - a pattern I hadn't noticed before.
Sometimes the voice of doubt can be overwhelmingly loud. So, how do we quieten it? It's something I am still practising and perfecting. However, one of the most useful methods I have found is celebrating the short-term achievements needed to secure the overall goals. Instead of looking at the final aim, I have begun to break it into more achievable mini tasks. We may do this subconsciously occasionally, but I think it's about applying this method to goals you usually wouldn't and stopping to recognise your success along the way.
We have so many opportunities available at Invicta through clubs and societies, academic hubs, and trips and exchanges, to name but a few. If you have been looking to partake in one but have doubted yourself, I would implore you to take the first step. Applying for a role on the Senior Prefect team means I now have the privilege of being Invicta's Deputy Head Prefect for the next academic year. You never know what new hobby, experience, or passion you may discover.
Olivia Moss
Deputy Head Prefect
