Module 2

When reading about the previous assignment, to set up a blog, I felt very confident in my abilities. I know a substantial amount about computers, and even though I have never used this particular website before, I knew that I would not have any trouble in setting it up. I have used many different online and computer based programs and did not hesitate to get it up and running right away. I already have a personal page on myspace, and use it infrequently to communicate with friends and loved ones and to share interesting or amusing things in my life or simply things I have found in my adventures of the internet. I do not update my page as often as most people do, although I do enjoy searching for new layouts and ways to make my page as different and creative as possible. I like to stand out a little when I am behind the protective barriers of my computer. It is much easier to show personality and be yourself when other people can not see you in person. In person I can be very shy and quiet when in personal situations. I am unsure of myself and people tend to read my shyness the wrong way. They assume that since I am not speaking with everyone that I am “stuck-up”. This could not be further from the truth.

In the work place, I am very confident in my abilities. I easily chat with people of all ages and backgrounds and try to find some common ground between us. I work in a customer service related field, I have to keep everyone happy. I am much more outgoing at work than I am in my “real life” although since I have been at this job I have noticed that my social confidence has definitely grown. I have plenty of confidence in things related to schoolwork, or intellectualness.

I think my confidence in this project reflects my confidence in my own intellectual abilities to learn and apply my previous knowledge to new and different situations. When given projects in the workplace I am able to jump right in and get to work with little or no further explanation or direction. I think this is an important quality of confidence, to be able to get the job done right away without hesitation and to keep everyone around you happy at the same time.

I approach most other tasks in this same confident way. Many times I will procrastinate until the last minute because I know without a doubt that I will be able to get the job done without any problems. Other times I get things done immediately so that I can relax. I’m not sure if the procrastination is actually related to the confidence, but I don’t think I would be comfortable procrastinating if I knew that I was unable to complete a task successfully.
I am glad that in this class we are able to try new and different things outside of the typical school settings.

Module 1

Confidence is the self assurance and belief in oneself that shines through to the outside world. “I would define confidence, generally, as the ability to be yourself in all situations. There is no discomfort or insecurity.” Many people are self-conscious about their weight, and those people seem to draw attention to it by being so obsessed over it. Most people would not even notice something like that if the person has a lot of confidence in themselves. It becomes a moot point.
This confidence draws others in as a beacon does. People are drawn to confident people. “People tend to be attracted to confident individuals, so, when someone is holding their head high and feeling good...those seem to be the times they receive the most attention from both sexes.”

People can recognize confident people from the way they look, the way they present themselves, their speech and body language. Some of the physical characteristics of being confident are head held high, smile, eye contact, head up, shoulders back. Other characteristics are cleanliness, and a clear, calm voice.
“Someone else would know that you are a confident person if you greet them with a firm handshake while making eye contact. They would look at your posture and notice that you stand up straight with your head held high. While conversing they would notice that you speak with a strong voice and are sure of what you believe in.”

People that I know are confident don’t need a bunch of frivolous stuff to fill in the voids. They are happy with the small things in life, such as friendships and family. They are successful at work, and often have a very good home life as well. They are not afraid to take risks or stand up for what they believe in.
“He is capable of walking up to people, meeting new people, isn't afraid of new experiences, and always does it with grace, a smile, dignity and charm that blows me away! If he is ever afraid or leery of the situation - you would never be able to tell on the outside.”

People can gain in confidence by having small successes that build confidence. A big part of confidence gain is self talk, and having a positive outlook on yourself and your life. If you have a negative view of yourself, others will too!
“I think confidence can be increased by really getting to know yourself and learning to love yourself for WHO YOU ARE. If you're sure of who you are -- really sure -- and you truly believe in yourself, you will be confident.”