"No son las habilidades que realmente tenemos las que determinan cómo nos sentimos, sino las habilidades que creemos tener."

How we feel about ourselves is often tied to what we believe we can do, rather than our actual abilities. This idea taps into our perception of our capabilities—how we see ourselves plays a huge role in our confidence and overall happiness.

Imagine you're at a job interview. Even if you have all the necessary skills and experience, if you doubt your own capabilities, you're likely to come off as unsure and nervous. It's like having a toolbox full of everything you need, but not believing you know how to use the tools. That self-doubt can be crippling.

Historically, this concept has been relevant in many areas of life. Take the classic example of "impostor syndrome," where highly competent people feel like frauds despite their successes. You might have heard about accomplished writers, scientists, or artists who, despite their accolades, feel inadequate. This quote resonates with such situations because it highlights that our feelings are more aligned with our self-perceptions than with our reality.

Think about a student preparing for an exam. Consider two students, Alice and Bob. Alice has a strong grip on the subject but constantly thinks she's going to fail. Bob, on the other hand, has a decent understanding but believes he's well-prepared. On exam day, Alice is so riddled with anxiety that she second-guesses every answer, while Bob confidently tackles the questions. In the end, Bob might perform better, not because he knew more, but because he trusted his knowledge.

So how do you apply this in your life? Start by actively acknowledging your skills. Write them down. Celebrate your achievements—no matter how small. This isn't about bragging; it's about reinforcing a positive self-perception. When you catch yourself thinking "I can't do this," challenge that thought. Ask yourself, "What's the evidence?" Often, you'll find that you actually do have the skills; it's just your confidence that's lacking.

Picture this scenario. You're planning to run a marathon. You’ve trained for months, followed every guideline, and you're physically ready. But the night before the race, doubts start creeping in. You start thinking, "What if I can't do it?" Instead, flip the script. Remind yourself of your training, the miles you've already run, and your dedication. Visualize crossing that finish line. This shift in mindset can make a huge difference.

To make this more relatable, let’s talk about public speaking—a common fear. You might have all the facts straight and your speech ready, but if you think you're a terrible speaker, your anxiety will show. Now, imagine you tell yourself, "I've got this. I know my stuff." Picture the audience nodding in agreement, maybe even laughing at your jokes. This mental prep can transform your performance. I've been there myself, and I can tell you, it works wonders.

Confidence is like a muscle—the more you work on it, the stronger it gets. So next time you doubt yourself, remember, it’s not just about the skills you have, it’s about believing in the skills you think you have. Give yourself credit where it's due. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.