This is me during my Shell Recruitment Day in November 2011.
1hr after the whole day group interview, I got the phone call I can never forget, “Congratulations, they all loved you. When can you start?”
If you have an upcoming group interview where they put a bunch of you together in a room and give you a task to work on together, then sit up.
I will tell you my secrets.
I don’t need them anymore and it can help you land your dream job.
They are what I used during my SRD.
I have given the same playbook to many mentees who used them to land their dream jobs in various companies.
So, trust me, this works.
A 🧵
Here are 10 key takeaways from How to Be Confident.
by James Smith:
1. Confidence is a choice, not a trait. It's built through a series of daily decisions, not something you're simply born with.
2. Know what you actually want. Most people have vague goals. Getting specific about your true desires is the first step toward pursuing them with confidence.
3. Action creates identity. Who you are is shaped by how you act — and how you act can reshape who you become. Inaction is still a decision, and often the most damaging one.
4. Fear of loss holds you back. Loss aversion — fearing the downside more than valuing the upside — stops people from taking opportunities. Recognizing this bias helps you push past it.
5. Do the uncomfortable thing. Deliberately putting yourself in awkward situations (like asking for a discount) teaches you that the feared outcome is rarely as bad as imagined.
6. Stop chasing external validation. Social media comparisons and seeking approval from others erode authentic confidence. Real confidence comes from within.
7. Genetics aren't destiny. While nature plays a role, your environment, habits, and effort largely determine your confidence and capabilities.
8. Repetition builds real confidence. Consistent practice in any area—sports, work, or social skills—strengthens ability and self-belief over time.
9. Failure isn't defeat. Losing and being defeated are different things. Adopting the right mindset toward setbacks is essential for long-term growth.
10. Identity can and should evolve. As you learn new skills, your self-perception must update to match. Imposter syndrome is common; recognizing it is half the battle.