Real confidence

Real confidence comes not from boasting, but from listening and understanding. Real confidence comes not from taking all you can, but from giving the best you have.
Real confidence comes not from ignoring your fears. Rather, it comes from learning what those fears have to teach, and then moving ahead more fully prepared.

Real confidence brings with it a level of effectiveness that cannot be imitated. Real confidence has a momentum that is nearly impossible to deny.

Real confidence comes not from trying to appear impressive. Real confidence comes from taking the actions that lead to truly impressive results.

A small achievement brings with it the confidence to take your efforts to the next level. And when that next level is reached, you'll gain the confidence to go even higher.

In this way, real confidence is built, one step at a time. Build some for yourself, and see how very far it can take you.

[Grimnar]

As the new President of a volunteer fire department, I find this hits close to home.