Key Takeaways:
- Self-efficacy and confidence differ concerning the belief in the outcome.
- Self-efficacy people are more likely to have strong positive interpersonal relationships, high work performance and are less likely to suffer from mental health problems such as burnout
Introduction:
In contrast to confidence, self-efficacy is a rather unknown concept and is even unconsciously mistaken for confidence. This is reason enough to take a closer look at the concept, to work out the important differences, and to be able to apply it purposefully.
"A person's belief that they can be successful when carrying out a particular task." - Cambridge Dictionary
When you read the definition, you understand how people can confuse self-efficacy and confidence. Both concepts seem to be based on inner trust. And in this respect the two concepts also match, the difference is in the outcome.
Difference and Impact:
"Confidence is a nondescript term that refers to strength of belief but does not necessarily specify what the certainty is about. I can be supremely confident that I will fail at an endeavour." - Albert Bandura
The above quote from Albert Bandura hits the nail on the head. Self-efficacy people always believe in the successful outcome of a situation based on their belief in their abilities. In contrast, people can also be extremely self-confident that they will not succeed.
This difference also leads to other implications that self-efficacy can have on an individual's life. Research has shown that self-efficacy people are more likely to have strong positive interpersonal relationships. They have a high level of work engagement and are less likely to suffer from mental health problems such as burnout.
Take action:
Believe not only in your abilities but also that you will succeed. Here are some ideas to make it happen:
- Remind yourself daily of situations in which you have succeeded. This way you train your brain to believe in it
- Look for role models. Look for specific actions from people you feel are self-efficative and copy them
