Don’t fake it ‘til you make it

❓ Ever heard of self-efficacy? It's often mixed up with confidence, but there's an important distinction we need to make…

💪 Self-confidence is a broad belief in your abilities, while self-efficacy is a more precise belief in your ability to complete specific tasks. Albert Bandura, a renowned Canadian-American psychologist, described self-efficacy as "the belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations."

🗺 Imagine this: You’re confident in your complex drafting skills, but client management feels like uncharted territory. While self-confidence gives you that "I can do this!" mindset, it doesn't provide a clear path to improvement. That's where self-efficacy steps in, offering a roadmap to success.
Bandura identified four major sources of self-efficacy:

1️⃣ Mastery Experiences: Successfully performing a task builds confidence. But remember, this isn't a one-and-done deal—think of it as a continuous journey. Keep practicing, refining, and pushing your skills to stay motivated.

2️⃣ Social Modeling: Watching others succeed can inspire us to do the same. Mentors and peers are invaluable resources—who are your role models?

3️⃣ Social Persuasion: Encouragement from others boosts our belief in ourselves. Can you recall a time when a few kind words made all the difference?

4️⃣ Psychological Responses: Tackling something new often comes with anxious thoughts and physical reactions. It’s not about quashing these feelings but managing your response to them. As Bandura puts it, "it is not the sheer intensity of emotional and physical reactions that is important but rather how they are perceived and interpreted."

➡ Developing self-efficacy empowers you to navigate your professional life with authenticity. It’s deeper than “fake it ‘til you make it”. When you’re deeply connected to your authentic presence, you radiate a grounded, emotionally intelligent power—one that’s well-suited to lead and inspire others. In my practice as an executive coach, I guide clients to cultivate this presence and find their purpose, helping them thrive in their careers and find true fulfillment.