Confidence vs Pride: Response Required
April 14th, 2008To all readers. All two of you. I need to hear your answer (or at least discussion) on this question: When does confidence cross the line into pride?
Let’s pose some hypotheticals (and yes, I know I just turned an adjective into a noun).
In your job, you’re pretty sure you know what you are talking about most of the time. You even consider yourself a bit of an expert. Knowing that sometimes you can still be wrong, how confidently can you express your opinion as fact before you really are acting, or at least come across as arrogant? Does it matter that some would see you as arrogant?
Or say you feel like pod-casting is something that you should be doing. You know that you are not incredibly eloquent or as creative as some out there. You sometimes use words or clichés completely out of context. You have some ideas, but not sure they are worth sharing. Should you just take the plunge and throw caution to the wind and do it, not caring what others think, in the hope that you have some chance of achieving what you set out to do?
Now don’t even think of going anywhere before answering this question…
… Oops! - was that too proud?
April 30th, 2008 at 12:13 am
So… Am I reader 1 or reader 2? =P
I would share my opinion, but that would be prideful… and not mention out of character, for me (drum roll please). So I’ll share someone else’s opinion:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” - Paul of Tarsus
And reading ability/inability to function as a “podcaster”, may I point out an extract of your question:
“Or say you feel like pod-casting is something that you SHOULD be doing.” (emphasis)
Now my opinion:
Why do you say you “should”? Could the fact that you believe it to be something that you “should be doing” be enough reason to “take the plunge and throw caution to the wind and do it”?
Another quote:
“I am very, very sorry for my fast speech. I have apologized many times, but like unsatisfactory repentance, I haven’t changed. I am able to preach victory (I don’t say live it) in any other respect, but not a slow tongue. I can’t get that one! Also I am sorry to say that my voice has disappeared into my boots.” - Norman Grubb (on his loathing of public speaking)
I know for myself, as a podcaster, beginning to record an episode is painful. Speaking into a microphone in an empty room (or empty car), seems to be the most ludicrous thing in the world (kinda like looking over at the guy in the car next to you, and realising his amusement at your “over-exuberant” singing).
If God has given you the burden to podcast, then what is to fear?