Therefore, these two ideas, motivation and confidence are powerful predictors that help us to anticipate if someone is going to achieve their goals or not.  As long as motivation is either equal to or greater than confidence, the student is much more likely to succeed in the achievement of their goals, because they want to do it, and they are willing to trust and be guided by an expert. I say things like “I understand that your confidence is low right now and that’s okay. How about this? I will believe in you and you trust me for now while we are getting this sorted out? Would that be okay with you?”

So the answer to the question, which is more important, motivation or confidence? is both are important. In goal achievement, you need both. But, motivation must be equal to or higher than confidence to begin actions towards the goal. That just means that you have to want it, but if you are not completely confident in your own abilities, then seek out the help of a trustworthy expert or leading authority on the issue. Use your motivation and trust their expertise and you will be well on your way to your goal.

This speaks to the issue to being as certain as you can be, that the person you are trusting has demonstrated and continues to prove that they are indeed an expert. They will have proof and will be credible. Other people will have been successful in achieving their goals through following the expert's advice. When you trust such an expert, your motivation will pay off in actual goal achievement.

Have you recently set goals? Take a few minutes to rate your own motivation and confidence relative to achieving them. Do this for each goal. If your motivation is above an 8 but your confidence is below an 8, it is best to get some advice from a trusted expert.

I will be writing about how this applies to New Year's Resolutions in upcoming blogs.

Obsessed with your success,

Terry