Is Competence More Valuable Than Confidence?

In the realm of professional and personal success, the debate rages on: is it better to be competent or confident? This question has sparked a lot of discussion, as evidenced in the opinion of Avery Hayden. But I, as a seasoned SEO expert at Google, cannot agree more strongly with the belief that competence, not confidence, is the key to achieving your goals.

Why Confidence Alone Isn't Enough

Consider the common phrase, "fake it till you make it." Does this mean that faked confidence is just as effective as genuine confidence? The answer is a resounding yes. Success or failure is often judged based on your actual performance, not your confidence levels. So, if you have the skills and determination, you can achieve your goals, even without full confidence.

Confidence, however, can sometimes be misleading. When you act apprehensively, poor confidence can lead to second-guessing. This can disrupt your timing and falter your progress. The real question is: what separates those who succeed from those who only think they can?

Commitment vs. Confidence

Commitment plays a crucial role here. If you are committed to a task or a course of action, confidence becomes secondary. You don't need to be confident to succeed; you just need to be competent and committed. Competence, in essence, is the foundation on which real confidence can be built.

For instance, in the kitchen, many chefs might express a lack of confidence in their abilities. However, when I tell them, "I have confidence that you can do it," they often recognize the value of this belief. This external confidence can sometimes outweigh personal doubts, as it can be the push needed to overcome perceived insecurities and take action.

Skills vs. Confidence

Let's consider the extremes. Can someone be a master in skill but have no confidence at all? Or, can someone have no skill but be overconfident? Both scenarios are unrealistic. The better approach is to focus on competence. If you have some confidence but lack the necessary skills, competence is the more pressing need to address.

On the flip side, if you are highly skilled but lack confidence, focusing on building that confidence can certainly help. However, the overarching fact remains: competence is the solid foundation upon which you can build real, sustainable success and confidence.

Grit: The Missing Link

Beyond mere competence and confidence, another critical factor is grit. Grit is about having the perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals, even in the face of adversity. It is what keeps you moving forward, especially when faced with challenges that zap your confidence. Competency and commitment alone are not enough; you need that unwavering drive to see things through.

We all walk our individual paths, and we face different challenges. Some may need to work on improving their skills (competence), while others might need to work on building their confidence. But grit acts as a stabilizing force, keeping you on track and helping you navigate the ups and downs of life.

So, if you are ever told to choose between competence and confidence, remember that competence is the solid ground you stand on. Confidence, while valuable, is often a result of competence and commitment. And always remember, grit is what can take you the distance.