Developing Self-Confidence

In 2011, I touched base with my former classmate Samson Muthusi who I met from time to time near the hostel in Nairobi where I was staying. He would share his thoughts with me in a manner that made me envy his confidence.

That confidence must be the reason he was recognized to be a leader during our high school years at Starehe Boys' Centre. He was the first student in my year to become a senior prefect.

As for me, confidence has not been one of my strengths. During my Starehe years, I wasn't confident enough to be a leader, a weakness I carried into adulthood.

It has been disheartening to read a lot and then have less studious people dictate what I should do with my life. And I haven't felt good to be held emotionally hostage by other people's opinions.

A distant neighbor I used to visit, for instance, affected how I felt when she gave me advice. One evening in 2011 after she said something I agreed with, I felt so inspired that I bounced all the way home.

Perhaps encouraged by her inspiring talk, I visited her again. And lo! This time, she said something that made me feel guilty. Needless to say, I walked home like a rained-on chicken. What a timid fellow I was!

Because I have always committed myself to constant improvement, I bought Dale Carnegie's How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking one day in 2022. I however didn't gain any endearing knowledge on how to develop self-confidence when I read the book.

But, as they say, aluta continua (the struggle continues!). I am therefore striving to develop confidence in my ideas, in my dreams, in my abilities, and in my own unique way of thinking. Not an unwise thing for you to do as well, my beloved reader!

********************
RECOMMENDATION: If you've enjoyed the above story, you might also enjoy another one on "Thinking, Believing & Daring".