Rediscovering the power of self-belief

In a world saturated with 'self-love' affirmations, it's time we discussed self-belief's more profound and transformative power. While self-love is essential to emotional well-being, self-belief – the deep conviction in one's abilities, potential, and intrinsic worth – often pushes people to grow, persevere, and succeed. It's the fuel that drives us to face challenges, act, and strive for growth.

Long before self-love became a cultural touchstone, early psychologists like Mary Whiton Calkins emphasised the importance of the self as the foundation of mental strength. Calkins (1908) argued that the self was essential to understanding human development and behaviour. Her contributions helped shape the broader psychological landscape of self, creating a foundation for later developments such as Albert Bandura's self-efficacy and Carol Dweck's growth mindset.

I will explore the historical roots of self-belief; its evolution in modern psychology; why self-belief – more than self-love – is the key to improving resilience, personal growth, and societal progress; and how we can cultivate it.

Mary Whiton Calkins: Pioneer of Self-Psychology

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, psychology was dominated by behaviourism, which focused on observable behaviours, and psychoanalysis, which examined unconscious drives. Against these prevailing approaches, Mary Whiton Calkins introduced the revolutionary idea that the self should be the central focus of psychological inquiry. Her self-psychology theory posited that the self actively shapes thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Calkins' accomplishments were remarkable, particularly given the social barriers she faced. Despite completing all the requirements for a PhD at Harvard, she was denied the degree solely because of her gender. Undeterred, Calkins became the first female president of the APA in 1905 (American Psychological Association [APA], 2005). She studied under influential figures like William James and Hugo Munsterberg and made significant contributions to psychology (Scarborough & Furumoto, 1987, pp.94-96).

Calkins (1911) proposed that the self was not merely reactive to external stimuli but an active, conscious force capable of shaping its own reality through belief, intention, and action. She argued that self-psychology played a proactive role in personal development, particularly its ability to reflect on and direct experiences. This perspective laid a crucial philosophical foundation for later psychological studies on agency, motivation, and emotional resilience (Bohan, 1990, p.48). Calkins' work highlights a vital truth: the self is an active agent in personal growth and societal advancement.

Self-efficacy and growth mindset

Building on earlier psychological theories, 20th-century psychologists began empirically testing and expanding on self-belief. Two of the most influential modern theories are Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory and Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset. These theories deepen our understanding of how self-belief shapes behaviour, motivation, and success across various domains of life, offering empirical frameworks for ideas that align with early philosophical perspectives on the active role of the self.

Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory provides a foundational understanding of how belief in one's abilities influences motivation, behaviour, and success. Self-efficacy discusses an individual's belief in their capacity to perform tasks and achieve specific goals. Bandura (1977) demonstrated that self-efficacy is a crucial determinant of how people think, feel, and act. People with high self-efficacy approach complex tasks as challenges to be mastered, persist through obstacles and achieve success. In contrast, those with low self-efficacy tend to avoid difficulties, give up easily, and limit their personal growth opportunities.

Bandura also introduced the concept of social modelling, emphasising the importance of observing others. Seeing others successfully navigate challenges can reinforce one's own belief in their abilities. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in educational and professional settings, as observing peers or colleagues excel can boost an individual's sense of self-belief.

Carol Dweck's research on mindsets builds on the concept of self-belief by examining how beliefs about learning and ability influence motivation. Dweck (2006) identified two mindsets: a fixed mindset, where we believe our abilities are static and unchangeable, and a growth mindset, where we believe our abilities can develop through effort and learning. According to Dweck, those with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist through challenges, and view effort as essential to attain mastery.

Neuroscientific research supports Dweck's findings. Moser et al. (2011) demonstrated that individuals with a growth mindset exhibit more remarkable neural plasticity – the brain's ability to adapt to new information – mainly when they make mistakes. People with a growth mindset demonstrated more significant brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with adaptive post-error adjustments. This suggests that self-belief is not only a psychological factor but also tied to the brain's capacity for growth and resilience.

Balancing self-love and self-belief

While self-love and self-belief are often discussed together, they serve complementary but distinct roles. Kristin Neff's research on self-compassion defines self-love as the ability to treat oneself with kindness, recognise one's inherent worth, and maintain emotional resilience. Self-love nurtures emotional support, helping individuals cope with challenges and manage negative self-talk.

However, self-love without self-belief may lead to complacency. Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory emphasises that self-belief – our confidence in our ability to achieve specific tasks – is crucial for motivating action and perseverance through difficulties (Bandura, 1997, p.3). Without self-belief, self-love can risk becoming passive, leading to contentment with the status quo rather than encouraging personal growth.

On the other hand, self-belief provides the confidence to set ambitious goals, take risks, and persist through adversity. It drives an individual's motivation to challenge themselves and seek continuous improvement. Carol Dweck's research (2006, p.7) suggests that individuals who believe their abilities can be developed through effort are more likely to embrace challenges and persist through setbacks.

In this context, self-love is the foundation for emotional well-being, allowing us to maintain inner peace and resilience. Self-belief is the engine for personal ambition, encouraging us to break boundaries and pursue growth. Together, they form a powerful combination.

Self-belief is more than a psychological concept – it has practical applications in education, the workplace, and personal development. By cultivating self-belief, individuals can achieve greater resilience and long-term success.

Promoting self-belief in education

Teachers play a critical role in developing self-belief in students. One of the most effective methods is to praise effort rather than innate ability. When students are encouraged to focus on persistence, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, they are more likely to develop a growth mindset and believe in their capacity for learning (Dweck, 2006, pp.40-41).

Reflective learning is another essential strategy. When students reflect on their experiences – through journaling, discussions, or feedback sessions – they develop greater self-awareness and a stronger belief in their ability to overcome future challenges (Bandura, 1997, pp.6-7).

Collaborative learning environments also enhance self-belief. Research by Johnson and Johnson (2009, pp. 23-24) shows that students who engage in cooperative learning achieve better academic outcomes and develop more vital social and emotional skills. In such environments, peer support plays a crucial role in reinforcing self-belief. Seeing their classmates succeed gives students confidence in their own abilities, creating a positive cycle of motivation and achievement.

Building self-belief in professional settings

Self-belief is essential for career advancement, creativity, and productivity in the workplace. Leaders can cultivate self-belief by promoting a culture of autonomy, trust, and ownership. When employees are encouraged to make decisions and take responsibility for their work, they are more likely to develop confidence in their abilities.

Mentorship programs are also highly effective in advancing self-belief. By pairing less experienced employees with mentors who offer guidance and support, organisations can help people build confidence in their potential for growth. Mentorship provides valuable opportunities to learn from the successes and challenges of others, reinforcing self-belief through firsthand experience. Those with strong self-belief are more likely to persist through adversity, viewing failures as learning opportunities rather than measures of their worth (Bandura, 1997, p.232).

Providing constructive feedback that emphasises growth rather than criticism is crucial for maintaining self-belief in professional settings. Acknowledging small victories and offering clear steps for improvement help employees internalise their achievements and maintain motivation.

So, a manager who adopts a growth-oriented culture by providing mentorship, celebrating small wins, and encouraging employees to take on challenging projects creates an environment where workers are empowered to take risks and innovate. This approach leads to higher self-belief and overall productivity.

Self-belief also impacts leadership and collaboration. Leaders with self-belief are more likely to inspire and motivate their teams, instilling confidence and empowering others. Self-belief advances reciprocity and shared responsibility, creating environments where people feel valued and stimulated to contribute their best efforts. 

Self-belief and relationships

Self-belief is crucial for personal achievement and influences how individuals engage with others in social and professional relationships. People with strong self-belief are more likely to approach relationships with confidence, assertiveness, and authenticity. They are better equipped to communicate their needs, establish healthy boundaries, and create meaningful connections. In contrast, individuals who lack self-belief may find themselves doubting their worth in relationships, leading to insecurity, people-pleasing behaviours, or difficulty maintaining balanced, fulfilling connections.

Furthermore, self-belief contributes to the development of emotional intelligence, which is essential for understanding and managing one's own emotions and recognising and empathising with the feelings of others. Individuals with solid self-belief are more likely to engage in constructive conflict resolution and open communication, enhancing stronger and healthier relationships. In contrast, those with lower self-belief may avoid confrontation out of fear or insecurity, potentially allowing conflicts to escalate or remain unresolved.

Whether in professional or personal collaborations, self-belief underpins the ability to navigate social interactions with grace and confidence, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and successful connections.

10 strategies for cultivating self-belief

Here are several practical strategies designed to enhance self-belief and promote resilience:

1. Set achievable goals: Break down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals creates opportunities for incremental success, reinforcing your confidence and confidence in your abilities.
2. Engage in self-reflection: Allocate time for regular self-reflection. Journaling about your experiences, achievements, and areas for improvement can deepen your self-awareness and strengthen your belief in your capacity to grow.
3. Embrace challenges: Shift your perspective to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to experience challenges as essential learning experiences contributing to personal development.
4. Surround yourself with positive influences: Build a reassuring network of people who inspire and enhance you.  Positive relationships can be a powerful reinforcement of your self-belief and motivate you to pursue your goals.
5. Visualise success: Spend time visualising your goals and the steps needed. This mental exercise enhances your confidence and prepares you to navigate challenges with a belief in your capabilities.
6. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and observe your achievements, regardless of how small. Recognising progress reinforces your self-belief and encourages continuous motivation on your journey of self-improvement.
7. Seek constructive feedback: Embrace feedback from mentors or peers as a valuable tool for growth. Constructive criticism can provide insights that reinforce your belief in your abilities and guide your development.
8. Develop a growth mindset: Embrace the understanding that abilities can be cultivated through effort and perseverance. This mindset encourages resilience and a willingness to learn from experiences.
9. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself during setbacks and challenges. Practising self-compassion maintains emotional resilience and encourages you to keep striving toward your goals.
10. Take action: Begin with small steps toward your aspirations. Regardless of how incremental, taking action builds self-efficacy and reinforces your belief in your ability to succeed.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can create a strong sense of self-esteem. This solid foundation equips you to tackle challenges head-on, accelerates personal growth, and contributes to societal advancement. It's important to balance self-love with self-belief – both are crucial for unlocking your full potential. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth, and witness how your self-belief can transform your desires into reality. 

A revolutionary act

Self-belief fuels ambition, encourages perseverance, and advances innovation. It allows us to break free from our comfort zones, confront challenges, and transform setbacks into opportunities for growth. Without self-belief, self-love risks becoming passive. However, with self-belief, we can overcome our limitations, challenge the status quo, and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

Cultivating self-belief is a revolutionary act in a world that often prioritises appearances over substance. It empowers us to feel good about ourselves and actively shape our futures. Whether in education, the workplace, or personal life, self-belief is essential for unlocking human potential and driving forward individual and collective progress.

• Belynder Walia is a psychotherapist, TEDx speaker and author of Fix Me: How to Manage Anxiety and Take Control of Your Life (Wiley UK). Find her on LinkedIn.

Key sources

American Psychological Association (APA). (2005). Women leaders in psychology. 

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-Efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: W.H. Freeman.

Bohan, J. S. (1990). Contextual History of Psychology: A Perspective. New York: Routledge.

Calkins, M. W. (1908). A First Book in Psychology. New York: Macmillan.

Calkins, M. W. (1911). The Persistent Problems of Philosophy: An Introduction to Metaphysics Through the Study of Modern Systems. New York: Macmillan.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). An Educational Psychology Success Story: Social Interdependence Theory and Cooperative Learning. Educational Researcher, 38(5), 365–379.

Moser, J. S., Schroder, H. S., Heeter, C., Moran, T. P., & Lee, Y.-H. (2011). Mind Your Errors: Evidence for a Neural Mechanism Linking Growth Mindset to Adaptive Post-Error Adjustments. Psychological Science, 22(12), 1484–1489.

Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. New York: HarperCollins.

Scarborough, E., & Furumoto, L. (1987). Untold Lives: The First Generation of American Women Psychologists. New York: Columbia University Press.