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Self-efficacy

1. Why Self-Efficacy Is Important

Self-efficacy means: the confidence in your own ability to successfully overcome challenges.
It is a key success factor – those who believe in their own impact stay more motivated, more persistent, and achieve more.
High self-efficacy not only boosts performance, but also resilience and quality of life.


2. Basics & Explanation

  • Definition: Self-efficacy = the belief that you can influence outcomes through your own actions.
  • Psychological Origin: Concept by Albert Bandura (Social Cognitive Learning Theory).
  • Bestforming Logic: Self-efficacy is the engine behind motivation and behavior – without it, goals fizzle out.
  • Four Sources of Self-Efficacy:
    1. Personal successes (Mastery Experiences)
    2. Observing others (Role Models)
    3. Social encouragement (Feedback, Support)
    4. Emotional stability (Dealing with stress & setbacks)

3. Challenges & Risks

  • Learned helplessness: Negative experiences lead to the belief “I can’t do this”.
  • Comparison trap: Constantly comparing yourself to others weakens self-confidence.
  • Overwhelm: Steps that are too big can fail and reduce self-efficacy.
  • Dependence on validation: If motivation only comes from outside, inner stability is lacking.

4. Tips & First Steps

  • Collect small successes: Set realistic goals and achieve them consistently.
  • Reframe setbacks: See mistakes as learning opportunities.
  • Use role models: Look to people who have mastered similar goals.
  • Self-talk: Practice positive inner dialogue.
  • Build competence: Expand knowledge and skills → more confidence in action.

5. Your Next Step

Get the bestforming app and benefit from:

  • Tools to track your progress
  • Routines to strengthen self-confidence and resilience
  • Motivation through visible successes and feedback

This is how you develop the confidence: “I can do this” – and make yourself the strongest success factor.

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