When asked what is the benefit of confidence in life, it seems that all answers point to success, respect and appreciation. However, not many of us think that confidence also brings happiness. In fact, happiness is related to contentment, satisfaction, health, good relationships and a fulfilling career, all of which are completely achievable if you trust and love yourself.

Relationship between confidence and happiness

A study from 2014 involving 200 students discovered a relationship between confidence and happiness. When someone is confident, they feel happier themselves. It manifests through belief in one’s own abilities, respect for oneself, and a constant sense of optimism. 

Another recent study in Ireland also showed that good self-esteem also has a positive effect on life satisfaction and happiness.

One of the most widely circulated reports was by Roy Baumeister with the title: Does confidence lead to a good state of mind, success, happiness and a healthy lifestyle?  In that report, he cited a large-scale study involving 31,000 students from 49 universities in 39 countries across five continents.

From the research, it has been concluded that confidence is the most important factor to predict life satisfaction. According to statistics, the relationship between confidence and happiness is very close, up to 47%. Other studies cited by Baumeister in the report also support this view.

Signs of happiness

A decade ago, Mary Guindon – Former chair and associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at John Hopkins University, and a consultant, educator, and teacher on mental health issues god – did some surveys with school counselors in New Jersey. Participants were asked to list five words that best describe confident and self-deprecating students.

As it turned out, high-value students were rated as trustworthy, friendly, upbeat, cheerful, and positive . Meanwhile, students with low self-esteem were withdrawn/ shy/ quiet, had no sense of security, had poor work performance, were unhappy, did not integrate into society, were unmotivated, depressed, dependent, poor personal image. 

People with low self-esteem are more sensitive to criticism, less emotionally stable, react negatively to failure, have high inhibitions about social anxiety, and are self-conscious. It can be seen that these are the things that make people with low self-esteem easy to receive unhappiness. Meanwhile, confidence helps us to overcome painful emotions that come from negative circumstances, suffering or rejection.

Professor Johnathon Brown – a famous social psychologist and self-confidence researcher – said that confident people tend to think differently when faced with failures. His research confirms that they see failure as temporary and an opportunity to succeed. Moreover, they do not feel disappointed in themselves, even if they fail, their self-worth remains unchanged.

Confident people are always looking for relationships

People with low self-esteem are often associated with social aversion, shyness, always wanting to be alone, and dislike meeting new friends. Confident people, on the other hand, have good social skills and are always eager to expand their network. When they believe in themselves and their values ​​to contribute to society, they will realize the importance of relationships as a factor for themselves to be appreciated, supported and recognized.

Research even shows that relationships are the main predictor of happiness in life. This makes confident people happier when they build long-lasting relationships.

But don’t look for value outside

Compared to people with low self-esteem, confident people don’t try to find external validation because they know where their self-worth lies and always believe in them. As we all know, always comparing yourself to others is only in exchange for fatigue, anxiety and dissatisfaction with life . However, confident people will sometimes compare themselves with people who are better than them to find motivation to motivate themselves.

Conclude

In short, confident people will have happiness but not their lives will be filled with roses. We all experience setbacks, hardships, heartaches and worries because it’s a part of life.

Confident people are more emotionally stable, have a more constructive outlook, and feel recognized and respected. Therefore, they focus on the positive things in life, enjoy the joy that comes from relationships, seek enrichment from experiences, and strive to improve themselves.

All the benefits that confidence brings translates into lasting happiness and life satisfaction. Understandably, the state that we often call “enjoying the good life” is the factor that brings joy and peace in life.

• Always think positive

Focusing on negative thoughts only makes you lose your confidence more and more. Instead, think more positive things, focus on your strengths that others do not have, you will find yourself very proud.

• Always assert yourself

Even if you fail, don’t deny yourself because only you can help you overcome those setbacks. If you deny yourself, you’ll just get stuck in poor judgments about yourself without even trying to get ahead. Self-affirmation not only makes you more confident, but also gives you more positive energy.

• Understand your own worth

In this world, no one understands yourself better than you. You need to know how precious you are and deserve the good things in life. Once you understand your worth, you know where you stand and what you need to do to develop further.

• Chat with people

Do not try to shrink into the “snail shell” that you have set yourself. Avoiding people won’t solve your problems. Learn to face and expand your connection with those around you. Regularly communicating with others will help you feel more confident, not as shy as before.