Three Types of Confidence:
A. Physical Confidence – Belief in one’s own physical attributes, such as strength, speed, endurance, pain tolerance, etc.
A.K.A. – Conditioning, Being “in shape”, Athleticism, Work Capacity
Developed Through – General and Specific Physical Preparation, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition
B. Technical Confidence – Belief in one’s knowledge and ability to problem-solve
A.K.A. – Knowledge, Skill, Technique
Developed Through – Learning, Memorization, Repetition, Practice
C. Stress Inoculation – Belief in one’s ability to manage their performance under pressure
A.K.A. – Timing, Game, Experience
Developed Through – Drilling (against progressive resistance), Sparring, Competing, or other Life Experience (ex. Military, Law Enforcement, or just getting into a lot of fights)
Examples:
A without B or C = Fitness buff, Gym Rat
B without A or C = Paper Tiger, Fat Black Belt
C without A or B = Tough Guy, Banged up ex-athlete
A+B without C = "Stage" Martial Artist
B+C without A = Banged up Martial Artist
A +C without B = Fighter who can’t teach
Relationships:
Nothing can replicate C, and no amount of C will ever be “enough.” The same cannot be said 100% for A and B. A can be developed to an extent through B and C. B can be developed to an extent through A and C. High degrees of A and C are necessary for peak performance, while B plays more of a permissive role (i.e. minimum level of proficiency).
Analogies:
You are the car. A is the engine (or fuel). C is the road. B is the map. Without B, you can still reach your destination, it just might take longer. Without A, you’ll break down before you get there. Without C, you’re a show car in a garage that goes nowhere.
You are the musician. A is the instrument. C is the playing. B is the sheet music. Without A, you have no means to make music. Without B, you'll make a lot of noise for a while, but eventually you'll make music. Without C, you have unfortunate silence.
