Self-confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of our lives, yet so many people struggle to find it. Sadly, this can be a vicious circle: people who lack self-confidence can find it difficult to become successful. After all, most people are reluctant to back a project that's being pitched by someone who is nervous, fumbling, and overly apologetic. On the other hand, you might be persuaded by someone who speaks clearly, who holds his or her head high, who answers questions assuredly, and who readily admits when he or she does not know something. Self-confident people inspire confidence in others: their team, their peers, and their bosses. And gaining the confidence of others is one of the key ways in which a self-confident person finds success. The good news is that self-confidence can be learned and built on. And, whether you're working on your own self-confidence or building the confidence of people around you, it's well worth the effort