Question: What causes us to be confiedent about some things and nervous about others?

Helen O'Connor answered on 21 Jun 2011:

Confidence is a mind-set – its a way we feel about our ability to do something well. There are several ways that we can feel more confident about doing something – whether thats a sports competition, or an exam:
– training/practising well and often (whether that’s sports training, or revising for exams)
– becoming used to the pressure of the situation (so having practice competitions, or races, doing mock exams, making yourself answer questions with a time limit etc)
– learning to control our thoughts: learn to say positive thoughts to yourself “I can do this” and “I know I can succeed” rather than negative thoughts
– learning to control your stress and anxiety levels – you can do this by doing some relaxation exercises like deep breathing
– seeing it as a challenge and a great experience, rather than something you don’t want to do.
– know you can always learn from your mistakes and come back stronger than before

Hopefully these things will help you feel more confident, and less nervous about things.