10% Happier with Dan Harris The Neuroscience of Confidence | Ian Robertson
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Feb 17, 2025 
Ian Robertson, a Professor Emeritus in Psychology at Trinity College and author of "How Confidence Works," dives into the neuroscience behind confidence. He explains how confidence can alleviate anxiety and discusses the dangers of overconfidence. The conversation highlights practical strategies to boost self-assurance, the 'Oscar effect' linking success with longevity, and the idea of reframing anxiety as excitement. Robertson also addresses the complexities of confidence related to gender, race, and class, offering insights to help overcome confidence saboteurs.
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Confidence Defined
- Confidence is tied to action and beliefs about future capabilities and outcomes.
- It's distinct from optimism (belief things will turn out well) and self-esteem (self-evaluation).
Four States of Confidence
- Confidence has four states: apathy, frustration, anxiety/depression, and the ideal "can do, can happen" state.
- The "can do, can happen" state boosts mood, lowers anxiety, and enhances persuasiveness.
Confidence and Health
- Confidence improves health by promoting action and reducing chronic anxiety, which elevates cortisol.
- The "Oscar effect" shows that achieving high status, like winning an Oscar, can significantly extend lifespan.
