Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Self Confidence?

Dictionary describes “Self Confidence” as “a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment”. 

NBA (National Basketball Association) of USA holds all-star game every year. 12 players from Eastern Conference teams and 12 players from Western Conference teams play an exhibition game. 

One of the side attractions is an individual 3-point shootout contest. 

Larry Bird was one of the great professional basketball players for the team Boston Celtics. In one year, before the 3-point shootout contest, he was curiously looking at all the other contestants. A reporter asked him what he is looking for. 

Larry replied: I am wondering who is going to come in second. 

Some people may think it was a trash talk. I feel it was an extreme self confidence 

Larry Bird came in first and won the 3-point shootout contest that year.


What is your opinion.  Is it self confidence or arrogance?

19 comments:

  1. Speaking as if you are better than anyone else is arrogance not confidence. That was w cocky statement IMO

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    1. Thanks for your comments Madhu. Some people have the same opinion as you have.

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  2. It is self confidence mixed with arrogance but not over confidence

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    1. Thanks for your comments Gowri. You should have been a diplomat at the United Nations. Self Confidence with a little of arrogance. Now both parties are happy and no one knows where you stand. That is the sign of a seasoned diplomat. HeHeHe

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  3. Sometimes when you say something out loud you reassure urself and give yourself confidence (pep talk) positive attitude that will make you succeed.... he was being confident that he could do it.... even if he didn't succeed.... he still went in with all his confidence and not an ounce of negativity.... not sure if that makes sense

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    1. Thanks for your comments Dee. That very well makes sense. By the way, Larry did win the 3-point shoot out that year.

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  4. No doubt about it. It was confidence all the way, not arrogance.
    Larry Bird was supremely confident in his abilities and was just trash talking the other guys like he always does. He’s just being Larry The Legend – one of the best basketball players of all-time.

    The great coach Pat Riley – who coached some of the best players ever and competed against some of the best players ever – once said this quote (paraphrased).

    If the GAME was on the line and I can choose any player in history to have the basketball in their hands to make the winning basket…I would choose Michael Jordan.
    But if MY LIFE was on the line, then I’m choosing Larry Bird!

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    1. Thanks for your comments Mr. The Cagey Bee. Long time. No see. Where were you all these days? Hope you are doing well.

      Yes, Pat Riley is correct.

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  5. Some people's confidence level is very that things fall in favour of them. Nice write-up,SG.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Sarala. You are right.

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  6. Most people would hesitate to say something like that although they have confidence in themselves. If he said that, then it's confidence and finding no need for modesty!

    Destination Infinity

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  7. Usually the toppers with a wide gap between first and second have supreme self confidence but are humble enough to remain quiet and not to boast. In this case it is high self confidence laced with a bit of arrogance.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Mr. KP. As I wrote to Gowri, you also should have been a diplomat at the United Nations. HeHeHe.

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  8. The difference between self-confidence and arrogance is rather thin. Often depends on who is saying, what and when. This sounds more like self-confidence than arrogance. Of course, I don't know Larry. So, I might be wrong too.

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    1. Thanks for your comments Pradeep. I think it is self confidence.

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  9. There is a thin line between being confident and being over-confident/arrogant in life... and the less deserving often end up biting the dust soon...
    But it is important to be aware of ones ability and be confident about what we are doing...

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    1. Thanks for your comments Dwiti. And welcome to my blog. You are absolutely correct.

      Dwiti, please visit here as often as possible. Thanks.

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  10. Yes, all will not exhibit such sure-cut self confidence. These kind of people usually attain success. An interesting read.

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