The Psychology of your 20s
The Psychology of your 20s

The psychology of confidence

July 20, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Confidence is not something you are born with. According to a 2021 study on the heritability of confidence, it is only between 9 and 28 percent genetic. That means the vast majority—somewhere between 72 and 91 percent—is shaped by environment, experiences, mindset, and choices. The host of The Psychology of Your 20s opens the episode by dismantling the myth that confidence is a fixed personal attribute, arguing instead that it is a skill, and like any skill, it can be deliberately built.

The four sources of self-efficacy

The foundation of confidence, the host explains, is a concept called self-efficacy, first named by the social psychologist Albert Bandura. Self-efficacy is not the belief that things will go well or that people will like you; it is the belief in your own capacity to execute the behaviors necessary to achieve a specific goal. Bandura identified four primary sources through which self-efficacy is developed, and the host walks through each one.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (06:55) **Dismantling the Myth: Confidence is Learned, Not Inherited** - The host introduces the core thesis that confidence is a skill built through environment and mindset, not a fixed genetic trait.
  • 2 (09:38) **Source 1: Mastery Experiences** - The host explains that successfully completing challenging tasks creates concrete evidence for your brain that you are capable.
  • 3 (11:24) **Source 2: Vicarious Experiences (Social Modeling)** - Observing someone similar to you succeed can powerfully boost your own belief in your capabilities.
  • 4 (13:35) **Source 3: Social Persuasion** - Encouragement from people you admire (coaches, parents, friends) can motivate you to try harder and persist through failure.
  • 5 (16:04) **Source 4: Physiological & Emotional States** - Your physical state (stress, sleep, hunger) directly influences how capable you feel in a given moment.
  • 6 (17:32) **Acknowledging Disadvantage, Not Doom** - The host clarifies that while confidence is learnable, starting points are not equal due to upbringing, poverty, or lack of role models.
  • 7 (18:58) **The Power of Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth** - The host introduces Carol Dweck's research, arguing that your fundamental belief about your abilities dictates your potential for confidence.

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Show Notes

You know when someone seems to breeze through life, can approach any social situation and challenge with such self-assured confidence? It seems innate - something they were born with. But what if that's not true? What if, instead of a fixed personal trait, confidence is actually a set of learnable abilities, a dynamic skill that anyone can cultivate, sharpen, and ultimately master? Today, we’re challenging the notion that confidence is a trait, and instead something you build.

Things we discuss:

  • Why confidence is dynamic and adaptable
  • Self-efficacy as a driver of confidence
  • How "growth mindsets" can revolutionise your approach to challenges and setbacks
  • Understanding the locus of control to fuel or hinder your forward momentum
  • Actionable strategies to build your confidence from the ground up

If you’ve ever thought, “if only I was just born confident”, this episode is for you.

Watch on Netflix: HERE

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The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

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