Confidence is like caffeine: some people go their whole lives without ever tasting a drop, while others have what amounts to an I.V. drip hooked up directly to their bloodstream. Like caffeine, a reasonable amount of confidence can have positive effects (improved alertness, higher self-esteem), but too much can be detrimental (narcissism, overconfidence, and so on).
This spectrum, of confidence and the reasons people find themselves on either extreme of it, made me eager to explore the concept of confidence more closely with you, our readers. What exactly does confidence mean in your world? Is it the empowerment one feels while putting on a finely tailored suit? The personal satisfaction of finally stumbling upon a successful diet? Is it the feeling you get after closing an important business deal? Or after stepping down from the podium following a flawless speech?
Through the many lenses of our staple focus areas, Vol. 9 examines the many facets of confidence – from the many forms it comes in, to reflecting on what bring people confidence, to managing it like a modern gentlemen. The issue has been split into two parts as we’ve got a lot of insight to share this time around.
One last thing. When contemplating what defines confidence while pulling together this issue, I was often reminded of the following saying:
“It’s not the price of the suit that counts but the worth of the man who wears it.”
While many great men have said something similar over the ages, this particular iterations comes from Guinness’s recent documentary on Les Sapeurs. Les Sapeurs, or “The Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People”, is a Congolese social movement whose members not only dress with more flair than most of us could ever pull off, but also bring more positivity and hope to their community than people living in much better circumstances. I can’t think of a group of people that personifies confidently so admirably.
P.S. The photo I chose for this issue was from my trip to the Nike HyperSchool in New York last month where I was put on the spot and had to show a room full of Nike Sport Research Lab scientists exactly what kind of shape I’m in. Considering they’re accustomed to working with pro athletes like LeBron, Ronaldo, Stamkos and Woods (Tiger, not Leslie) I had to muster up every ounce of confidence.
Cheers,
Leslie
Confidence is like caffeine: some people go their whole lives without ever tasting a drop, while others have what amounts to an I.V. drip hooked up directly to their bloodstream. Like caffeine, a reasonable amount of confidence can have positive effects (improved alertness, higher self-esteem), but too much can be detrimental (narcissism, overconfidence, and so on).
This spectrum, of confidence and the reasons people find themselves on either extreme of it, made me eager to explore the concept of confidence more closely with you, our readers. What exactly does confidence mean in your world? Is it the empowerment one feels while putting on a finely tailored suit? The personal satisfaction of finally stumbling upon a successful diet? Is it the feeling you get after closing an important business deal? Or after stepping down from the podium following a flawless speech?
Through the many lenses of our staple focus areas, Vol. 9 examines the many facets of confidence - from the many forms it comes in, to reflecting on what bring people confidence, to managing it like a modern gentlemen. The issue has been split into two parts as we’ve got a lot of insight to share this time around.
One last thing. When contemplating what defines confidence while pulling together this issue, I was often reminded of the following saying:
“It’s not the price of the suit that counts but the worth of the man who wears it.”
While many great men have said something similar over the ages, this particular iterations comes from Guinness’s recent documentary on Les Sapeurs. Les Sapeurs, or “The Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People”, is a Congolese social movement whose members not only dress with more flair than most of us could ever pull off, but also bring more positivity and hope to their community than people living in much better circumstances. I can’t think of a group of people that personifies confidently so admirably.
P.S. The photo I chose for this issue was from my trip to the Nike HyperSchool in New York last month where I was put on the spot and had to show a room full of Nike Sport Research Lab scientists exactly what kind of shape I'm in. Considering they're accustomed to working with pro athletes like LeBron, Ronaldo, Stamkos and Woods (Tiger, not Leslie) I had to muster up every ounce of confidence.
Cheers,
Leslie