I BELIEVE IN MYSELF

Wherever it comes from, self-belief can work wonders. One of the most powerful sources of self-confidence is a mother’s unwavering support. Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, was one such fortunate person.

In the first chapter of his autobiography, Straight from the Gut, titled Building Self-Confidence, he writes:

"Perhaps the greatest single gift she gave me was self-confidence."

His mother went to great lengths to instill self-belief in him.

For example, when he brought home a report card with four A’s and a B, she would ask why he got the B—but always ended the conversation by congratulating and hugging him for the A’s.

Welch also had a speech impediment and stammered as a child, sometimes leading to awkward situations. When he ordered a tuna sandwich, the waiter would often return with two, mishearing him as saying, “tu-tuna sandwiches.” But his mother never let him feel embarrassed. She reassured him, saying, “It’s because you’re so smart. No one’s tongue could keep up with a brain like yours.”

Because of her, Welch never saw his stammer as a problem. Instead, he believed his mind simply worked faster than his mouth.

Reflecting on his childhood, he later wrote:

"I didn’t understand for many years just how much confidence she poured into me. Decades later, when looking at early pictures of me on my sports teams, I was amazed to see that almost always, I was the shortest and smallest kid in the picture."

Yet, he added:

"I never knew it or felt it."

Welch was lucky. Not all parents build their children’s confidence this way. In fact, many of us—perhaps unknowingly—do the opposite, consistently pointing out faults instead of strengths. (I am somewhat guilty of that too.)

Beyond parents, the words of teachers, bosses, friends, and spouses also can shape a person’s self-belief. A few words of genuine encouragement can alter an entire career and life trajectory. 

The truth is, we all need someone to believe in us. Just one person is enough.

And sometimes, that person is you.

Try saying it to yourself silently: I BELIEVE IN MYSELF.

How does it feel?

© 2025 Atul Mathur. All rights reserved.