Faux Confidence
‘The River does not constantly scream about its power and ability, it simply flows by silently and calmly, knowing what it’s capable of. We should be more like the River…’
–Friedrich Nietzsche
(Emphasis Mine)
Confidence… What is Confidence? How do we project the fact that we possess Confidence? Is Confidence something we learn to project or is it something we simply project naturally? Does Confidence have anything to do with the things outside of us or our acquired intelligence? Are Confident individuals the ones who ‘scream’ about their Confidence, seeming as if they have no insecurities? Or, are Confident individuals the ones who have the courage to admit their insecurities and fears but still stand Confident in the face of them? Is Confidence the material things we purchase for ourselves? Confidence… What is Confidence?
In today’s society, I feel that most forms of Confidence projected by individuals is ‘Faux Confidence,’ Confidence which has nothing to do with who the individual truly is within but that type of Confidence that is a façade or a show performed for those outside of them to make it seem as if they are Confident. Most times I’ve noticed that ‘Faux Confidence’ is projected through BIG talk, material things, name calling, trying to ‘One Up’ everyone else and always having to have the last Word or the need to be right. Those individuals projecting ‘Faux Confidence’ over compensate for the Confidence that they really do not possess by performing an act while interfacing with the public, friends or family to cover up their real insecure self.
Individuals in possession of ‘Faux Confidence’ are usually oblivious to the fact that they possess this type of confidence. They go throughout their lives, day to day, performing for those outside of them and then withdrawing when they are alone, possibly facing their fears and insecurities but simultaneously denying the fact that they are not as Confident as they project to others. In their OBLIVION, they have no idea that the Confidence that they project to others contradicts most, if not ALL of the things that they say. These individuals will speak of their strength, security, Courage, FAITH and Heart but in the same breath they’ll speak of how much they worry, what they can’t do, how they can’t vision a bright future, how their relationships don’t work and ‘When will things get better?’ (If you listen closely you can hear it. Shhh…)
That is not Confidence! That is ‘Faux Confidence!’ I feel that true Confidence does not have to be spoken. It does not have to be heard. It does not feel as if it has to be projected for all to see. True Confidence is projected NATURALLY, with no assistance from the individual possessing it. Those with True Confidence, not only talk the talk, they walk the walk. It is shown in whatever they do. Those with True Confidence are not afraid to allow the real individual that they are within to shine through. They allow their insecurities to be known, they face their Fears instead of running from them, they know their worth without things outside of them being added to the equation and they not only have FAITH, they have and ‘practice’ Active FAITH. All of the above takes True Courage, Heart and Bravery and all these equal True Confidence.
Confidence is not just who you are or what you are with and around others. It’s who and what you are when you are alone. Confidence allows you to be the same at all times, whether you are alone, in the company of friends, family or strangers. Confidence does not LIE about who you are, it allows you to be TRUE to You in all scenarios and provides you the ability to never have to put on a façade or wear a mask. You have the ability to show up NAKED and be Confident in your NAKEDNESS when you possess True Confidence.
My Friend…Think about it?
Do you possess ‘Faux Confidence’ or are you akin to the River?
-PM Bishop
PMBishop's Points... 
