There is a difference between confidence and arrogance. 

Distinguishing between the two is essential, especially when preparing for demanding challenges like special operations selection. The best summary of this idea might be Facta Non Verba, or "deeds not words," which, not coincidentally, is the motto of Canada's tier one SOF unit, JTF2.  

A realistic assessment of one's abilities, backed by experience and knowledge, underpins confidence. It involves a quiet assurance that doesn't need constant external validation because it's rooted in real achievements and a clear understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses.

Arrogance or cockiness, on the other hand, is characterized by an overestimated self-view, often lacking solid evidence or achievements. Arrogant individuals typically dismiss others' advice and overplay their capabilities, potentially leading to critical oversights.

Zack Ferguson is a former Navy SEAL Team 7 veteran who has deployed to Iraq, Yemen, Africa, and the UAE. 

He served as his platoon's Lead Sniper and Pointman and was a JTAC, Combatives Instructor, and Weapons Ordnance Specialist.

He is a competitive 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and an amateur MMA fighter. He also teaches for the Graceful Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that aims to equip in-duress women in central Africa with self-defense skills.

Zack has a degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. At his day job, he is an instructor for Defense Strategies Group, an organization of special operations veterans that provides defensive training and security solutions. 

One of Zack’s favorite phrases is that insecurity is loud. 

In this episode, we talk with Zack about what that idea means to him and how he came to understand it so deeply. 

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More about Zack:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zackkferg/

Personal Site: https://zackkferg.com/pages/about-zack-ferguson

Defense Strategies Group: https://www.defensestrategies.us/instructors

Timestamps:

00:00:22 Intro to Confidence vs. Arrogance

00:03:37 Confidence in High-Stakes Environments (SOF Selection, etc.)

00:04:50 Connection Between Incompetence and Overestimation

00:05:25 Connection Between High-Performers and Underestimation

00:06:26 Improvement Through Education

00:07:25 Dunning-Kruger Effect Not limited to Any One Field

00:07:44 Impact of Constructive Feedback

00:08:54 Assessment and Capabilities of Winston Churchill

00:11:03 Napoleon Bonaparte’s Arrogance and Downfall

00:16:04 Intro to Zack Ferguson

00:17:02 The Training Center LA in Beverly Hills

00:18:48 Zack’s Take on Confidence and Arrogance

00:20:50 Jiu-Jitsu With “The Quiet Professional” vs. “The Loud Guy”

00:23:45 Confidence Without Arrogance Within SEAL Teams

00:24:26 Contrast: Arrogance But Not Confidence

00:26:40 External Arrogance Signals Compared to Resilience

00:29:35 Learning to Maintain a Stable Emotional State

00:31:36 Athletes Coping With Setbacks and Not Being Deterred

00:34:41 Sponsor Note: Coaching Mentor Program

00:35:23 Developing Strength by Putting in the Time

00:36:56 Looking for Shortcuts is a Red Flag in Candidates

00:39:28 The Smartphone Generation and Emotional Regulation Issues

00:42:20 Zack’s Mental Struggle to Get Through “Surf Torture”

00:43:26 Confidence is Earned Through Difficult Experiences

00:45:32 Insecurities Are Loud

00:45:40 Practical Takeaways

00:47:10 Outro