"Tout le monde naît confiant et tout vous est enlevé"

When you come into this world, you’re brimming with confidence. Think about a baby. They’re fearless – crying out when they need something, reaching for anything that catches their eye, even trying to walk with no idea they might fall. That’s the essence of pure confidence. As we grow, though, layers of doubt and fear start building up, often laid on by society's expectations, criticism, or even our own inner voices. This idea can be a real eye-opener.

Historically, this thought isn’t new. Philosophers and psychologists have spoken about the innate potential within each of us. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an 18th-century philosopher, argued that humans are born good and society corrupts them. In the same vein, the quote hints at a natural confidence that we all have at birth but is stripped away through life experiences. Imagine a child constantly told they’re not good enough; over time, that child will believe it, losing their initial boldness and self-assurance.

Let’s take a real-life example. Meet Sarah. She’s a spirited seven-year-old who loves to sing. She’ll belt out songs without a care, whether she’s in the living room or a crowded supermarket. But as she grows up, she starts hearing comments – maybe from classmates, maybe even a disapproving teacher, or a stray remark from a family member. Slowly, those remarks chip away at her confidence. By the time she’s in high school, she’s too self-conscious to sing in front of anyone. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s a story many of us can relate to in some form.

To apply this wisdom to your life, start by recognizing those negative layers that have built up over time. It’s about peeling them back, one by one. If you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” ask why. Where did that thought come from? Is it really true? Begin replacing those thoughts with positive affirmations. Remember when you were like Sarah, fearless and bold? Channel that childlike confidence. It’s still there, just buried under years of doubt.

Here’s a scenario to chew on. Imagine you’re at a party. You see someone across the room you’d love to talk to, but that inner voice kicks in – “What if they think I’m boring? What if I say something stupid?” Now, flip that script. Think back to when you were a kid in the sandbox. You didn’t overthink who you played with; you just went for it. So, take a deep breath and walk over. Start with a simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name].” Sometimes, we need to channel that childlike courage to break through our adult insecurities.

Life’s too short to let fear steal your confidence. By remembering that everyone’s born with it, you can start reclaiming what’s been lost. It's a journey, sure, but every step you take toward embracing that innate self-assurance is a step toward a more fulfilling life. So, next time doubt creeps in, think of that fearless child you once were. You’ve got this.