5 Reasons Why Others Believe in Us

Description: In this article, we will look at the psychological reasons why a person needs the faith and support of others. The author shows how external approval can affect our confidence and self-esteem, and suggests ways to maintain a balance between our own goals and others’ expectations.



Introduction
Imagine that you start a new project, decide to change profession or, say, take on a bold creative idea.
In such moments, the support, trust and faith of loved ones can give strength and inspire on the path to success.
But what if no one shares your enthusiasm? Many admit that if no one believes in them, they feel alone with their goals. At the same time, an interesting detail: when you are supported by a large number of people, “in fact” little changes: your path and duties remain the same, but subjectively it feels completely different.
Bolder, easier, with positive emotions.

Why does it happen that the faith of others can literally “lift on its wings”, and its absence gives rise to anxiety and uncertainty in their own abilities?
In this article, based on popular science concepts of psychology, we will analyze 5 main reasons why people need external support. And, of course, we will try to understand how to maintain adequate self-esteem and not depend on the approval of others too much.




Reason 1. Reflected self-esteem
Man is a social being, his personality is formed in interaction with others (see Wikipedia).
Reflected self-esteem (or “mirror self”) is that we see ourselves in the eyes of others.
When others show confidence in us, it serves as a mirror:
“If people think I’m capable, then I really have potential.”

Positive feedback strengthens confidenceWhile skepticism and disbelief cause doubt, even if there are few objective reasons.
Imagine telling your friends about your idea of opening a unique cafe.
If they’re excited and say, “That’s a great idea, you’re going to make it!” your enthusiasm increases. If the answer is: “Yes, who needs these cafes, now everything is busy,” you can doubt, even if you have a chic business plan.




What do I do?
Develop critical thinking: While others’ opinions are important, remember that everyone has a different perspective.
Try to maintain a balance between trusting feedback and self-evaluating your own ideas and abilities.
True self-assessment should lean and your real accomplishments, not just praise from others.




Reason 2. Social support and sense of belonging
Many studies confirm that when a person feels valued and supported, it improves their psychological state and reduces stress levels.
The faith of loved ones and colleagues creates a so-called “psychological security space” where we can take risks, learn new things, and make mistakes without fear of being hit by “reputation.”

After all, communication is a constant exchange of “signals” that we are not alone.
When people believe in us, they kind of say, "We're with you, you can do it, and even if something goes wrong, that's no reason to back down." It's like the atmosphere in a good team:
Even difficult tasks seem to be doable, because every one of them contribute And morally supportive.


What do I do?
Create an environment where there is mutual support.
It can be a professional community, a circle of interests or just a company of people who share your hobbies.
It is important not only to accept support, but also to actively provide it, because one strengthens the other.




Reason 3. Motivation and the “waiting effect”
Psychologists talk aboutpygmalion effectWhen a teacher or supervisor expects high performance from a student or employee,
Most often, these results are actually higher (see the Rosenthal effect).
Why? The environment unwittingly creates conditions where a person gets a little more chances, support, faith in his success.
A person, feeling this, tries to justify trust.

A similar mechanism works in personal life: if loved ones expect us to be responsible and develop,
It motivates you to live up to that image. If everyone is convinced that “nothing worthwhile will not work”,
Many people give up before they start.




What do I do?
Use the effect of waiting for yourself.
Find people who share your ambitions, or form a mastermind group where participants follow each other’s accomplishments and help maintain a high level of motivation.




Reason 4. Protection from doubt and self-sabotage
We often doubt ourselves, especially when faced with large-scale projects or external challenges.
At times like this sabotage It is easy to turn on: “What if I can’t?”, “Should I try at all?”
That is why the support and faith of others can be a counter-argument to inner fears, a kind of “shield” that says, “But others think that I am capable, so I should take risks.”

Of course, this does not guarantee success, but gives courage to take steps forward.
Without this “external” support, we can get stuck in reasoning, shifting the beginning of action “for later.”


What do I do?
If you feel that doubt is paralyzing you, look for constructive feedback.
Not just “faith in you,” but also good advice, help in seeing the blind spots.
This will create a more realistic picture of your odds and channel your energy into concrete steps rather than endless “what ifs” thinking.




Reason 5. Emotional well-being and sense of meaning
When you believe in you, it feels like your efforts have sense Not only for you, but also for those around you. Humans — ourselves — aspire to be part of something bigger: to be needed, to influence the world, to be useful. Knowing that someone trusts your abilities helps you maintain balance.
Even when the circumstances are not easy.

Lack of faith in a close circle can lead to loneliness and emotional devastation.
You can carry on with your task, but it gets harder.
You have to constantly “support” yourself.
Having at least one person who proves the value of your efforts,
Makes the route more comfortable and fills it with positive.


What do I do?
Try to surround yourself with people with a positive mindset. This is not to ignore constructive criticism, but avoid toxic negativity. Sometimes it is enough to find like-minded people online, in communities or interest groups to feel that you are not alone in your aspirations.




Conclusion
The faith of others is not a miraculous force that can automatically realize your dreams, but it is significant. factorIt affects self-esteem, motivation and psychological well-being.
Our nature is such that we are constantly looking for a “mirror” in society, and if the reflection in these mirrors is benevolent and supportive, we feel more empowered and determined to win.

However, you need to remember that without an inner conviction that your case is justified, no external support will save you. You can only let yourself down if you decide to give up.
But when you are supported by many, you feel a different degree of responsibility to them, and at the same time receive an emotional resource that facilitates the path.

Beware of those who believe in you, and do not be afraid to seek out others.
Let your life be an example of how outward faith and inner confidence work together, whether in careers, creative projects, or everyday decisions.
And most importantly, in the process, remember that your self-worth is not limited to someone else’s approval.
You are unique in that you exist and have your own ideas, goals and ways to achieve them.




Glossary
Reflected self-esteem
Forming an opinion about yourself through the reaction and evaluation of others.

Pygmalion effect
Psychological phenomenon in which the expectations of significant persons (teachers, managers) increase the effectiveness of the individual.

Mastermind band
A community of people meeting regularly (offline or online) for brainstorming, sharing ideas, and mutual support.

Self-sabotage
Behaviors or attitudes that lead to the failure of their own plans and prevent the achievement of goals.

mindset
Beliefs or “moods” of the mind that affect the perception of oneself and the world (growth, fixed, etc.).