The Confidence Code: How Self-Awareness Unlocks Influence Confidence isn’t loud. It isn’t boastful. It isn’t an act. It’s quiet, resolute, and deeply rooted in self-awareness. Have you ever wondered why some people command a room effortlessly while others struggle to find their voice? What is it that makes certain individuals magnetic—trusted, followed, and respected? The Myth of Confidence Many believe confidence is something you’re either born with or develop through external validation—titles, degrees, achievements. But true confidence isn’t built on accolades. It’s built on self-awareness—knowing your strengths, owning your weaknesses, and showing up authentically. We often mistake arrogance for confidence. Arrogance is fuelled by insecurity, a need to prove worth. True confidence, however, is the opposite. It’s the ability to move through life without needing external approval. The Hidden Power of Self-Awareness Imagine two professionals in a meeting: 🔹 Mr. Sharma speaks loudly, dominates the conversation, and dismisses opposing viewpoints. 🔹 Mr. Shah listens intently, asks thoughtful questions, and speaks with certainty but without needing to overpower others. Who commands more influence? The Confidence Code: Three Principles That Change Everything 1️ Know Thyself – Confidence begins with understanding your strengths, values, and blind spots. Self-reflect regularly and ask: What do I bring to the table? What makes my contribution so special? What holds me back? Address these questions through journaling, meditation, self-introspection. 2️ Detach from external Validation – Confidence thrives when you stop measuring your worth by external opinions. Instead of looking for approval, tell yourself “ that you will be your best version, today and I will evaluate my own performance”. Conditional validation or stereotyping should not be worth a reckon. 3️ Speak with Presence, Not Volume – Influence isn’t about being the loudest voice. It’s about the weight your words carry. Preparation before you speak, noting down key points you would like to speak about, pausing before you speak, allowing room for discussion, listening actively, and responding with clarity creates authority without force. The Confidence Shift When you embrace self-awareness, confidence becomes effortless. It’s no longer about proving yourself—it’s about owning who you are. And when you do, people notice. They listen. They trust. Because authentic confidence is magnetic. TAKEAWAY – Challenging the conventional  True confidence isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about owning who you are. And when you do, people notice.  We’ve been taught that confidence is about speaking up. But maybe it’s about listening first.  A confident me sets the precedence. I can influence without being an “influencer” Answer to the situation is Mr. Shah. – Comment if you think otherwise. Happy to know your point of view Are you ready for the confidence “makeover”