Greetings!
Confidence and Self-Esteem
In this context, I would like to firstly channel the discussion of confidence and self-esteem towards the interview process, especially when hunting for a job. For any company—particularly the HR Manager (HRM)—during an oral interview to recruit employees, one of the criteria they use in scoring applicants is the level of self-confidence demonstrated when answering questions or presenting themselves.
I don't know if it's just me, but I believe there comes a time in life when a person no longer succumbs to fidgeting or battling with confidence and self-esteem. I’ve reached that stage where I no longer give a damn about what used to frighten me or make me shake or doubt myself. At this stage, two outcomes are possible in a man’s life: either failure or success. Neither of these outcomes can define or end a man’s life if he handles them well, especially failure. So why the low self-esteem? Why the shaking? Why the doubt?
The last interview I attended for a job was a highly sophisticated one, yet I didn’t feel pressured like others. My self-confidence was unwavering. I didn’t resort to memorizing answers and turning them into a sort of chant just to avoid forgetting. No. I went there knowing full well that my interviewers were humans like me. Despite their high profiles, I knew we could talk casually and even share a laugh.
I remember that particular day vividly. When I got in, I was asked to introduce myself. I responded by sharing the essential information they wanted in a casual tone, as though I were chatting with a friend. I wasn’t afraid, nor did I fidget.
The truth is, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct interviews myself many times. I know how it feels to sit on the judge’s panel, questioning and evaluating applicants. With that experience, I view interviewers and their seats as a position I have once occupied. They’re just normal human beings. Often, their demeanor is an act, designed to appear more imposing because they’re in the judge’s seat.
This same principle applies to a man’s life when he’s approaching a lady for friendship or a relationship. In the early stages of a man’s life, his confidence and self-esteem might be too low to approach a lady. He allows the "what ifs" to dominate his mind. But as he matures, his confidence grows, reaching a stage where he no longer entertains those doubts when approaching a woman. At this stage of maturity, he does it naturally, without overthinking the outcome.
You see, the process of building confidence and overcoming low self-esteem happens in stages. It accelerates depending on the experiences a person goes through.
Years ago, I used to avoid microphones—I was terrified of speaking or leading prayers in public. But with time and practice, my self-confidence grew and matured. Now, I can do that freely without the slightest fear.
Thank you for reading.
*This is my response to Hive-reachout prompt.
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