8 Types of Confidence (according to me, a traveling artist)

I’m a traveling artist – mostly music – and these are the different types of confidence I frequently see and experience in my own life.

In researching this topic, I felt some of the answers were missing the mark on some key concepts in confidence.

Hence this post.

So let’s get to it.

Table of Contents Show

What Is Confidence? (+ why should I care?)

Confidence is illusive – intuitively known, abstractly understood.

So, what is it?

For me, confidence comes down to mindset and the belief in what you’re doing and saying.

Although technically not an emotion, I also see confidence as a feeling with emotive characteristics.

I think most of us strive to be more confident – since it boasts many benefits.

So here are some of my favorite reasons (I’ve personally felt) to cultivate more confidence:

• Greater self esteem

• Perform better and learn quicker

• You’re less likely to quit (and more likely to become an expert)

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Advance in your career or personal goals

• Become more resilient to criticism or obstacles

• Become more creative

• Become more open minded and willing to learn

• Supports mental health and personal wellbeing

8 Types of Confidence (+ examples)

Confidence, in my humble view, is context-driven.

There are different types. So this is my list of the most common ones I’ve experienced.

But let me know in the comments if you’ve got any more!

1. Creative Confidence

Creativity is a cornerstone in my life (and of this blog). So that’s where we’ll start.

Creative confidence is the act of pursuing an artistic vision, especially when there’s an element of newness or going against the grain.

Creativity requires a mix of vulnerability, play and discipline. These ingredients pour the foundation for creative confidence.

Examples of Creative Confidence

• Sharing music or art

• Taking creative risks or trying new styles, mediums and concepts

• Making mistakes

• Expressing your authenticity and uniqueness

2. Social Confidence

Social adeptness is a soft skill. So what is it?

For me, I define social confidence as the ability to comfortably be yourself in group or public settings.

Put another way, it’s being comfortable in your own skin around others.

And it’s for anyone (introverts included).

Examples of Social Confidence

• Networking with or meeting new people

• Conflict resolution and negotiation or healthy debating

• Active listening

• Empathy and emotional intelligence

3. Epistemic Confidence

Episte-huh?

This next type of confidence was a lesser known term for me. But according to pyschologists, it’s one of the two main types of confidence (social being the other).

This is where I felt things were limited. I mean, only two types of confidence? Really?

I digress…

Epistemic confidence is having confidence in your competence or knowledge on something.

It’s the belief that the quality, accuracy and reliability of information is high.

Examples of Epistemic Confidence

• Decision making skills

• Admitting when you’re wrong or uncertain about a topic

• Open-mindedness

• Curiosity and a learner’s mindset

4. Confidence In Self

Self confidence is quite the umbrella term. So what does it mean?

There are lots of ideas and definitions, but here’s my take.

Confidence in yourself means you know what, why and how you’re doing something.

For example, I used to try explaining my grand vision for this blog and my brand at large – but it was usually met with confusion or a lack of belief.

But I pressed on (and continue to do so) because I have confidence in myself and what I’m trying to build.

Examples of Self Confidence

• Pursuing a big dream or long-term personal goal

• Maintaining optimism in adversity or during personal setbacks

• Confidence in your expertise, knowledge or ability to do your thing (a form of epistemic confidence)

• A growth mindset and the belief that you can learn or do anything

5. Calm Confidence

I think we can all benefit from slowing down and cultivating a more carefree mindset.

And that’s what calm confidence is (for me, at least).

Calm confidence is a form of quiet confidence. It’s the ability to stay in a present moment, relaxed state of mind when things otherwise appear more chaotic or nuanced.

Examples of Calm Confidence

• The ability to listen and respect someone’s differing view

• Patience or the ability to go with the flow

• Self regulation and confidence in a long-term vision

• Emergency response situations (which require clarity and a level head)

• The ability to stay cool in a heated situation

6. Awkward Confidence

We all have awkward moments – but how we handle those moments is the differentiating factor.

Awkward confidence is the ability to happily feel like an idiot.

It’s recognizing you made a mistake, but not feeling less or uncomfortable because of it.

It’s a familiarity with discomfort and the ability to be a beginner.

Examples of Awkward Confidence

• Singing karaoke in front of strangers (but hitting all the “wrong” notes with a smile)

• Learning a new language

• Accepting the beginner stage of learning something new (and pushing through)

• Laughing at yourself when you make a mistake or do and say something awkward

Recommended: How to Embrace Your Weirdness

7. Confidence for the Unknown

Having an adventure mindset is fun – but not always easy.

It requires confidence for the unknown, which is the ability to start or pursue something novel without the comfort of familiar security.

It’s been said many times, but great things live on the other side of discomfort and overcoming fears.

Examples of Confidence for the Unknown

• Traveling

• Entrepreneurship or starting a business

• Facing your fears

• Starting a new career or life direction

8. Emotional Confidence

Confidence with your emotions is a big topic (and a laudable pursuit).

So here’s how I define it.

Emotional confidence is the ability to be vulnerable and open and honest with your feelings.

Perhaps it’s a level of emotional maturity, but I see it as being comfortable with how you’re feeling and what physical responses that creates.

Examples of Emotional Confidence

• Crying in public or at a movie

• Openly expressing your feelings with someone

• Self awareness and self reflection

• Expressing yourself creatively (for example, through music, art, acting or writing)

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