Self-efficacy is believing in your ability to achieve a goal or handle a situation. It affects how you think, feel, and act.
Albert Bandura, who is one of the most influential psychologists in history introduced the concept in A Social Cognitive Theory, said self-efficacy comes from four sources:
- Mastery experiences – Successfully completing tasks builds confidence
- Vicarious experiences – Seeing others succeed makes you believe you can too
- Verbal persuasion – Encouragement from others boosts belief in yourself
- Emotional state – Managing stress and emotions helps maintain confidence
People with high self-efficacy:
- Take on challenges with confidence
- Stay motivated despite difficulties
- See failures as learning experiences
People with low self-efficacy:
- Avoid difficult tasks
- Give up easily when facing obstacles
- Feel powerless in controlling outcomes
It’s not about being the best, but about believing you can improve.
