4 Practical Strategies to Improve Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to our belief and confidence in our own abilities and skills, to perform and achieve successfully. Through numerous studies over many years, it has been shown how crucial this belief is for achieving our objectives, whether they involve planning a career change or simply cooking a meal without burning it.

So, how do we cultivate this core belief in our capabilities? This article will guide you through the four main sources of self-efficacy and offer strategies to enhance your or others' self-efficacy in various aspects of life.

1. Mastery Experiences: Mastery experiences, according to Bandura, are the most influential factor in shaping self-efficacy. These are the instances where we tackle challenges and emerge victorious. For example, someone who improves their cooking skills by successfully preparing different dishes builds their self-efficacy in cooking.
2. Vicarious Experiences: Observing others' successes or failures also impacts our self-efficacy. For instance, seeing someone similar to us accomplishing a challenging task can motivate us to believe in our own capabilities.
3. Verbal Persuasion: Receiving encouraging words from others can significantly boost our self-efficacy. Simple words of support can help us feel more confident in our abilities, such as a friend reassuring a nervous vocalist before a performance.
4. Physiological Arousal: Our physical and emotional states can influence our self-efficacy. Feeling fatigued or anxious may diminish our belief in our abilities, while being calm and energized can enhance it.

Low self-efficacy, on the other hand, leads to pessimism about handling stress and challenges. Individuals with low self-efficacy are more likely to avoid difficult situations and are prone to feelings of helplessness.

Research shows that low self-efficacy correlates with various negative outcomes, such as depression, ineffective pain management, and hindered career development, especially among women.

To boost self-efficacy, consider the following strategies as described in this blog: 4 Practical Strategies to Improve Self-efficacy