7 subtle phrases only genuinely self-confident people use, according to psychology

Ever heard the saying “Confidence is key”?

It’s true. Confidence can open doors, make you more attractive, and even help you succeed in your professional life. But real confidence? It’s more than just a loud voice or a firm handshake. It’s subtle, it’s quiet, and it’s authentic.

You see, genuine self-confidence isn’t about boasting or trying to prove something. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and having faith in your abilities.

But how can you tell if someone is truly self-confident? Well, according to psychology, there are seven phrases that give it all away.

Now, what if I told you that by adopting these phrases, not only could you recognize genuine confidence in others, but you could also cultivate it within yourself?

Intrigued?

Then stay tuned as we unpack these subtle yet powerful phrases used only by those who are genuinely self-confident. This could be the key to unlocking a new level of assurance in your own life.

Remember, true confidence isn’t loud—it speaks softly and carries a big stick. Let’s dive into the world of quiet strength and discover how words can reveal more than we might think.

1) “I don’t know”

Let’s start with a phrase that might surprise you.

“I don’t know.”

A lot of us think confidence is about knowing everything. It’s about always having the answer, always being right. But that’s not exactly true.

You see, genuinely self-confident people are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something. And that’s because they’re secure in their abilities and their knowledge.

They don’t feel the need to pretend or bluff their way through something they’re unfamiliar with. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to learn, to grow.

2) “I was wrong”

This one hits close to home for me.

“I was wrong.”

It’s a tough phrase to utter, isn’t it? It certainly was for me.

I remember a time when I was working on a project with a group of colleagues. I was adamant that my approach was the right one, even when others suggested alternatives.

And you know what? I was wrong. My approach didn’t work out as I had hoped.

It took swallowing my pride to admit it. But when I did, something amazing happened. Instead of losing respect from my colleagues, I gained it. They appreciated my honesty and willingness to learn from my mistake.

It made me realize that admitting fault doesn’t make you weak; it shows strength and self-confidence. It shows you’re more invested in finding the right solution than in being right yourself.

So here’s to being wrong sometimes. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn and show real confidence.

3) “No”

Now here’s a small word with immense power.

“No.”

Sounds simple, right? But it’s one of the hardest words to say for a lot of us.

Why? Because we want to be liked, we want to be helpful, we don’t want to disappoint. But in doing so, we often stretch ourselves too thin and end up feeling drained and resentful.

Genuinely self-confident people understand the value of their time and energy. They know their limits and aren’t afraid to set boundaries.

They realize that saying “no” doesn’t make them selfish or unkind. It means they respect themselves enough to prioritize their own well-being.

It’s okay to say “no.” It’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. This doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you a confident one.

4) “I believe in you”

Let’s shift gears a bit.

“I believe in you.”

This phrase is a two-way street of self-confidence.

On the one hand, it shows you’ve got enough confidence in others to encourage them, to believe in their potential. You’re not threatened by others’ success; rather, you celebrate it.

On the other hand, it also subtly reflects your own self-confidence. You’re secure enough in your own abilities that you can genuinely wish success for others without feeling diminished.

So next time you see someone struggling or doubting themselves, offer them these four little words.

Not only will it boost their spirits, but it will also cement your own self-confidence. After all, lifting others up lifts us up too.

5) “I can learn”

Now here’s a phrase that packs a punch.

“I can learn.”

This might sound like an obvious statement. But did you know that this mindset is actually linked to something called a “growth mindset”?

Psychologists have found that people who believe they can learn and grow from their experiences tend to be more successful and happier in life.

They see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities.

Genuinely self-confident people embody this mindset. They know they’re not perfect, and they’re okay with that. They embrace the journey of constant learning and see each failure as just another step on the road to success.

It’s not about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to learn anything. That’s what true confidence looks like.

6) “It’s okay to make mistakes”

This next phrase is something we all need to hear from time to time.

“It’s okay to make mistakes.”

Real self-confident people understand that everyone, including themselves, stumbles now and then. They don’t view mistakes as a blight on their character, but as part of the human experience.

They offer understanding and kindness, not just to others but also to themselves. They know that being hard on oneself doesn’t foster growth; it hinders it.

So, when you or someone else slips up, remember to extend some compassion.

It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s how we learn, grow and ultimately become more confident in ourselves.

7) “I’m proud of myself”

Here’s the final, and arguably the most crucial phrase.

“I’m proud of myself.”

Genuine self-confidence comes from within. It’s not about external validation or approval. It’s about recognizing your own worth, your own achievements, and being proud of who you are.

This isn’t about arrogance or conceit. It’s about acknowledging your own growth and progress. It’s about celebrating your journey, with all its ups and downs, and appreciating the person you’ve become.

So, go on. Say it to yourself. Say it out loud. Because no matter where you are in your journey, you have every right to be proud of yourself.

Embrace your journey to self-confidence

So there you have it. Seven phrases that echo the language of genuine self-confidence.

If these phrases resonate with you, that’s wonderful. It means you’re on the right path. If they seem foreign or difficult, that’s okay too. Self-confidence is a journey, not a destination.

Now it’s time to take these insights and apply them in your daily life. Listen for these phrases in your conversations, both with others and with yourself.

Change starts with awareness. The first step to becoming more self-confident is recognizing where we can grow.

So next time you’re faced with a challenge or an opportunity, pause. Reflect on these phrases. Ask yourself, “How would a genuinely self-confident person respond?”

And then give it a try.

Because the truth is, we all have the potential to be genuinely self-confident. It’s simply a matter of believing in ourselves and being true to who we are.

And who knows? You might already be more self-confident than you think.