The connection between self-esteem and self-confidence is well documented and it is studied for a long time. Some experts believe that the two concepts are basically the same, while others include more items in self-esteem.

The philosopher and psychologist William James, points out that self-confidence refers often to the personal competence, whereas self-esteem is a broader term, including items related to personal characteristics.

The relevant idea to retain now, is that self-esteem (subjective evaluation of one's self) is very connected to the belief that one is able to do something, and that the stronger that belief, ceteris paribus, the better the opinion we have about ourselves.

In a recent work, F. Potreck-Rose and G. Jacob (2006) propose a psychotherapeutic approach to low self-esteem based on what they call "the four pillars of self-esteem":

1. Self-acceptance: a positive attitude towards oneself as a person. It includes items as being satisfied and in accordance with the self, to have self respect, feeling home in your body;
2. Self- confidence: a positive attitude towards the abilities and performance. It includes convictions of acquaintance and convictions of being able to do things, to do it right, of achievement, to bear the difficulties and to be able to let go of something;
3. Social competence: To be able to contact and communicate with other people. It includes the capacity to handle hard situations, having flexible relations, to feel the social resonance of own behavior and be able to manage the distance-proximity with other people;
4. Social Networking: being connected in a network of positive relationships. Includes a satisfactory relationship with the partner and family, having friends and rely on them and be available for them, being important to other people.

The first two pillars represent the intra-personal dimension of self-esteem. The other two pillars represent the interpersonal dimension.

After years of research and observation, I believe that the wider the beliefs I have about myself, the easier my interpersonal relationships. We are going to use conditioning techniques and intellectual training to enable the elimination of useless beliefs and the gradual replacement to a belief that I can.

Thomas Edison believed that human achievements are composed of 1% of inspiration and 99% of perspiration. In other words, we need to train intellectual and emotional strength to cross the territory fear and overcome adversity, as they always arise at some time in anyone's life.

The truth is that most people have not learned the secrets to use the mind in a positive and useful way, but in a negative and destructive way.

Read more in http://confidencegt.com/

Ricardo Peixe
GT Coach & Trainer
Confidencegt.com