"Imagine you're standing on the edge of a cliff, the wind in your hair, and the world below you. The view is breathtaking, but you're paralyzed with fear. You know you could soar if you leaped, but that voice inside your head tells you, 'What if I fail?' What if I told you that the only thing holding you back from flying is the belief that you can? Today, we will talk about the power of self-confidence—the force that turns 'what ifs' into 'I can.'

This topic is something I’ve struggled with for some time however through research I was able to find some reassurement and some tips on how to navigate this certain problem and I would like to share this information with all of you. Today, I'm going to be talking about self-confidence and specifically the lack of it. “Lacking self-confidence" means having a low belief in one's abilities. I know everybody in this room can relate to this topic. Whether it be constantly comparing yourself to others, downplaying your achievements, negative self-talk, overthinking, etc.

Self-confidence is the ultimate key to unlocking our potential, empowering us to take risks, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness, by shifting the way we view ourselves and our abilities. Today I will share with you the Importance of self-confidence, overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure, and building self-confidence through action. Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into why self-confidence is so important.

Sub-point 1: Self-confidence is crucial for college students

• According to Miranda Orkulas, an author of Royal Public Schools, self-confidence significantly influences a student's academic performance, creativity, resilience, and relationships with peers. A student with a healthy level of self-confidence is more likely to take on challenges, overcome academic difficulties, and express their thoughts and ideas.

Sub-point 2: Positive Impact on Relationships and Communication

• Confidence not only influences how you view yourself but also how you interact with others. Confident people tend to express themselves more clearly, assert their needs, and build stronger relationships.

Now that we understand the importance of self-confidence, let’s turn our focus to overcoming the fears and doubts that often hold us back.

Sub-point 1: recognizing and eliminating negative thoughts

• Self-doubt often arises from negative self-talk. One way to overcome it is by recognizing these thoughts and reframing them. Instead of thinking, "I can't do this," replace it with, "I might not know how to do this yet, but I can learn." I know this might sound corny however reframing breaks the cycle of fear and empowers you to take action.

Sub-point 2: Seeking Support and Feedback from Others

• According to Linkden, self-doubt can be overcome by seeking the perspective of others. Positive feedback from others can remind you of your strengths and capabilities. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can provide the encouragement you need to push through doubt.

We've talked about Overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. Next, let’s look at how to build that confidence through action.”

Sub-point 1: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

• Even though this statement is overused, it’s actually true. Confidence grows when you intentionally push yourself to try new things. Each time you step outside your comfort zone you expand your capabilities and boost your self-assurance.

Sub-point 2: Celebrating Progress and Reflecting on Successes

• According to Harvard Summer School, recognizing and celebrating the small steps of progress along the way is very beneficial. Reflecting on what you’ve accomplished, no matter how minor it may seem, helps reinforce your self-belief and motivates you to keep moving forward.

As we close, I just want to recap what I’ve spoken about so far in this speech. Today, I shared the importance of self-confidence and how it’s the ultimate key to unlocking our potential, empowering us to take risks, overcome obstacles, and achieve greatness, by shifting the way we view ourselves and our abilities. First, we talked about the importance of self-confidence, overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure, and finally building self-confidence through action. And on a final note remember confidence is just your willingness to try.