Summary
In this TED talk, Packnett discusses the concept of confidence. She argues that it is one of the most important ingredients of prosperity that is lacking in many people. She starts the talk by referencing a book with the image of Septima Clark, a woman after whom she modeled her career. Packnett gives the audience three key ways to develop confidence. Moreover, she shares her dream of a world where people use confidence to turn their dreams into reality. She also gives the story of two of her students to expound on the talk’s theme. Packnett argues that confidence enables people to start pursuing their dreams and keep going when they fail.
A lack of it is characterized by the constant use of terms such as cannot, would not, and impossible. Insufficient confidence signals a need to readjust a goal while overconfidence is a sign of departure from reality. She states that three factors can be used to develop confidence: permission, community, and curiosity. She argues that permission brings forth confidence, community helps it grow, and curiosity sustains it. People should be responsible for their own learning and expect to succeed because of the possession of confidence.
As A Student
Confidence is one of the most important ingredients for success as a student because it creates motivation for learning and pursuing educational goals. Moreover, it is needed to mitigate challenges like bullying and harassment that are rampant in institutions of learning. The amount of confidence possessed will determine whether educational goals are attained or not. In that regard, the tips provided by Packnett could be used to develop confidence. For instance, this could involve taking responsibility for one’s learning, pursuing goals regardless of other people’s doubts, and give oneself permission to fail by confronting my fears.
Permission could be expressed through taking on challenges, trying again after failing, acting with certainty, and engaging in activities that invoke fear. One of the major challenges that students face is creating a balance between school work and social activities. The information offered by Packnett could be used to determine whether the goals being pursued are worthwhile. Students can attain success by avowing words like cannot and impossible. Confidence is the most effective factor that can be used to bounce back from failure or keep going when stuck in a rut.
Post-Graduation
In the workplace, confidence is an inevitable aspect of success. On the other hand, it is important for a student pursuing a master’s degree to have confidence in their ability to complete the program and apply the knowledge and skills gained. The information that Packnett offers can be applied in the workplace to attain excellence, improve effectiveness, and create great leadership. There is a direct relationship between confidence and the attainment of goals.
I will give myself permission to fail, learn from other people’s mistakes, and approach challenges with certainty. Packnett states that low confidence means that a goal needs to be readjusted while too much confidence means that one is not in tune with reality. The information will be useful in determining whether the goals being pursued are challenging enough to match my capabilities. A lack of confidence will be an indication that a certain goal is not challenging enough, while too much confidence will be a sign of involvement in unrealistic pursuits. Giving myself permission will ensure that ideas are realized and dreams are pursued without the fear of failure or criticism.