Confidence Vs Cockiness
December 14, 2020
The difference between cocky and confident baffles many and intimidates some. Once you are educated on the difference it becomes a bit less grey. A huge fear can be coming across as arrogant when someone is secure in themselves. I'm here to share some distinct differences I've found over the years!
To be Cocky:
It's no secret people who have an inflated sense of self are actually insecure or constantly trying to 'prove something'. Cockiness usually stems from a deep rooted insecurity or maybe even a childhood fear of not being good enough. It can be overcompensated through cockiness. It's almost like they're over-doing because if the rest of the world believes it maybe they will too.
To only take advice from those they deem worthy: Someone they think to be 'at their level' or above. Might consider themselves 'too elite' to hear certain peoples opinions.
Instead of letting their accomplishments, kindness, generosity, or personality speak for itself, they tend to speak for it.
Completely self consumed and doesn't bother learning/remembering anyone's personal information. Won't bother remembering names of people they see often or important details of their acquaintance, friends, or employees (family, where they're from, or even their last conversation). Constantly making people repeat themselves making them feel like what they have to say wasn't worth listening to.
Putting other people (or their success) down. Whether that is to the person (subtly or not) or behind their back.
Constantly looking for flaws in other people's accomplishments or minimising them. Jealous of others doing better than them.
We've all come across someone who has an inflated sense of self.
To be Confident:
Being confident doesn't mean that you are not humble. In fact the two are a very powerful combination. You know you have flaws but you lead with your strengths. You do what you're good at and are never embarrassed to learn something you might not be as educated on.
To be able to take advice or make time for anyone no matter their status, age, race, gender, financial situation, or background.
You're genuinely happy for other people's successes. You're secure enough in your own hard work that other people thriving gives you joy not contempt.
You compare yourself to yourself not to others. You have role models or people you learn from and would love to emulate but you are responsible to make the best out of what YOU have and where YOU are starting.
You know what to expect from others. You have a standard of how you like to be treated and if someone is not reaching that you don't waste your time on them. Ever.
You can be proud of yourself for your accomplishments but not feel the need to 'show off' or put your success on a crazy display. This doesn't mean you can't talk about it! It's okay to be excited about your success but knowing when and how to speak about it and to who.
You are happy with yourself. You do what you want. If you want to post a sexy picture - you do it. If you don't want to have social media at all - you do it.
YOU NEVER EVER EVER let your insecurities get in the way of doing what YOU WANT. If you wear a sports bra to the gym even though you might be insecure of your arms or stomach - you're a badass and working to gain even more confidence.
External validation means the world but you know if you don't receive it from yourself as well it means nothing.
