I’m Not Cocky, I’m Confident
“So when you tell me I’m the best it’s just a compliment”
Those are not my words. I couldn’t utter if I wanted to. Not yet anyway. My recent stats won’t let me. They are Jadakiss’ words. There is a fine line between the two though: confident and cocky. By definition, the first applies to someone who has a clear-headed trust in his or her true abilities, while the second is false self-assurance in capabilities that are not there.
“It is easy for me to put on a show and be cocky…” -Bruce Lee
One comes from the inside, the other from the outside
When you are confident, your self-assurance comes from the inside. You believe in yourself because you fully appreciate your own abilities and can rightly gauge your effectiveness in any given situation.
When you are cocky, your sense of self-worth comes from the outside. Primarily due to external support systems such as privilege or constant praise. Take away that support and the cockiness evaporates.
How you can tell the difference between the two people
1.The confident don’t lay claim to perfection and are not ashamed of their limitations. Those who are confident never shy away from owning up to their mistakes and you see them taking lessons from a misfortune. Failures don’t stifle them. People who truly believe in themselves will not only take undue pride in their own achievements but will have no reservations about acknowledging or even celebrating the success of others. Such people don’t find the accomplishments of others diminishing to themselves.
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at somthing. But I cant accept not trying.” -Michael Jordan
2.If they are cocky, you’ll notice they constantly need to hog the spotlight because they feed off people’s validation that they are that good. Arrogance won’t let them own their faults and errors. In their eyes, they can do no wrong. It is absolutely essential for the cocky to always be the top dog by hook or by crook. So deceit and manipulation are fair play to maintain this image. That is why they tend to be more devastated by setbacks because, at the back of their minds, they are aware that the façade is crumbling. And with it goes the vital external support system of praise and adoration.
“If they are cocky, you’ll notice they constantly need to hog the spotlight because they feed off people’s validation…”
However, though there is a fine line you shouldn’t be afraid to embrace your confidence because you fear being presumed cocky. This fear has kept many from playing the bigger roles they deserve. If your self-assurance really comes from the inside, you should have no fear.
So, don’t be cocky, be confident, and when people say you are great it’s just a compliment.
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