Two Secrets About Self-Efficacy

In the name of being honest, I want to share a couple of would-be secrets. Number one — though I feel a bit foolish admitting it, I just recently learned the meaning of “self-efficacy.” I’d heard it used in conversation before but never really dug into the definition. My understanding was very surface level. It was a buzzword and nothing more. 

In case it’s new for you too, self-efficacy “reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one’s own motivation, behavior, and social environment.” At its core, self-efficacy is your confidence in your own abilities and the way that confidence actually pushes you toward accomplishing your goals. 

One of my strongest-held opinions is that you should always believe in yourself. There is power in self-confidence that can’t be replicated and can actually help you succeed. So, it turns out I’ve been an unknowing proponent of self-efficacy this whole time! But... and here’s the second secret… even though I preach confidence daily, I’m still learning to live it. And that’s OK! 

I have this problem — maybe you’ve experienced something similar — where I replay mistakes I’ve made in my head like a series of old cassette tapes from the 80s. Living inside these tapes, perpetuating moments of failure and anxiety, limits my ability to believe in myself, the capable person I am right here and right now.

How do we record over these tapes and focus on our present motivation, behaviors, and environment? It’s not going to happen overnight, but we can start making choices today that will move us closer to self-efficacy. 

1. Push yourself to try new things. Getting out of your comfort zone is so important — it’s the only way to grow. Leaving Cisco wasn’t easy for me. It was a great job that I loved, but I knew it was time to grow. That’s when I started my own company, and with the help of an amazing friend and leader, I pushed myself things I didn’t know I was capable of. (Thanks Tara!)
2. Remind yourself that difficulty, even failure, isn’t the same as defeat. The obstacles in your path are not threats but challenges to overcome. You can learn from every new experience. Like Babe Ruth said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” He knew that every strike got him closer to his next home run.
3. Celebrate your success! Give credit where credit is due. When you’re able to push yourself to try something new or grow stronger from failure, it’s a big deal! You’re going to need to do these things again and again, so take a moment to reflect on your strength and courage. This doesn’t just make you feel good; it creates new neural pathways in your brain, which is how you form new habits.
4. Remember, you’re not alone on your lifelong journey to live with self-efficacy. We can do this together, and there’s no better time to start than now!