[Paradox1987]

OK, I know we all have our days and our moments. But I was wondering if ENFPs are generally self-confident. I used to (and to an extent, still do) have the weirdest self-esteem in the world. At high school I was more bookish than sporty, which proved to be a bit hellish sometimes, but even then, I'd always take comfort in the fact that I was pretty damned good academically. Therefore, anyone giving me hell wasn't gonna be able to do it for long. I'm also hugely sarcastic and passionate, so anyone that does come forward will find that although I'm not a violent person at all, I will bite back if you exhaust my (admittedly very long and slow burning) fuse.

Over the years though, I really feel I have come into my own. I am happy with who I am, I honestly believe that no matter what happens, I'll be alright. At the moment, e.g. I am looking for a full time job as a barrister. Instead I'm volunteering and CV building for that very goal. Even if I fail to become a barrister full time though, I honestly feel I'll get a job and succeed irrespective. I've never been called arrogant, but I know that I can be very confident and a little cocky at times. I'm also very open, because I'm at peace with who I am, if that makes any sense. Does this type of confidence and quiet calm pervade over many ENFP lives (especially after years and years of introspection)??

[Tal]

This one's a hard one to pin down. On the one hand I'm very optimistic about everything and know everything will be ok, even while I'm walking through the fires of hell. On the other hand I struggle a lot with self esteem, it usually fluctuates between low when I feel that I'm not doing or accomplishing the goals I have, to medium when I feel I'm on the right track. Every now and then it gets to the high point when I know I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing at exactly the right time, but high's pretty rare.

The problem is, at the same time all of this is going on when I actually set my mind to doing something and do it I have a really high level of self confidence. I always know if I actually get off my lazy, low self esteemed ass and do something about something I'll get it done. No doubt in my mind. It's just getting to the point I actually get off my ass that's the problem.

[chadlinski]

I have a pretty low self-esteem, I'm always doubting myself.
That being said though, I think the biggest enemy in myself as many of my friends, even the head lecturer at my College are really confident and encouraging in my abilities.

I mean I may come across as confident because I like to muck around, make a fool of myself and make others feel good about themselves, but when it comes down to it, I often question whether I'm good enough at most things.

[chadlinski]

Totally sounds like me Tal!

[Paradox1987]

I mean I may come across as confident because I like to muck around, make a fool of myself and make others feel good about themselves, but when it comes down to it, I often question whether I'm good enough at most things.

I 100% get that! I used to appear more confident than I ever was. In my moments, I am always questioning my own ability to succeed in what I want to succeed in and generally succumb to thoughts like "I procrastinate too much" (which I do) and can really attack my own personality. But then again, when I start to play the balancing game, on balance, I feel more at peace. If I find the right drive/incentive, I will not give in until the goal I set has been reached, but until then I am pretty ambiguous with achievements. I just feel that now, in the end, I'll be able to wing it through life, and probably do relatively well... However, I owe a lot of this confidence and calm to certain people who have really helped me come into my own.

[Paradox1987]

This one's a hard one to pin down. On the one hand I'm very optimistic about everything and know everything will be ok, even while I'm walking through the fires of hell. On the other hand I struggle a lot with self esteem, it usually fluctuates between low when I feel that I'm not doing or accomplishing the goals I have, to medium when I feel I'm on the right track. Every now and then it gets to the high point when I know I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing at exactly the right time, but high's pretty rare.

The problem is, at the same time all of this is going on when I actually set my mind to doing something and do it I have a really high level of self confidence. I always know if I actually get off my lazy, low self esteemed ass and do something about something I'll get it done. No doubt in my mind. It's just getting to the point I actually get off my ass that's the problem.

Wow... that post was epic Tal! I completely relate to that. My self-esteem can rock around, but my confidence and optimism is there. Sometimes I wonder if it's misplaced, but thanks for that! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one

[crzysttchr]

My self confidence has SOARED the older I get... I have always been upbeat and charming, but now!!!! I am unstoppable
I find the new experiences thrill me and look forward to learning all I can about lots of different things... so much so
that I almost burn out.
Again, like Tal... getting off my ASS to get started is the hardest part of anything.
We are the supreme procrastinators.... truly!!!

[Knight of Cups]

I agree! I am having this kind of confidence battle within me. I'm very confident in my personality and go around flaunting it, especially when someone asks me, but I still feel kind of uncomfortable with my appearance and physical self. As an INFP, I've been working at it for so long that I am starting to show ENFP-like signs, but confidence still doesn't come naturally for me (yet, maybe?) xP

I'm another procrastinator to add to the list and I change interests a lot. I try to focus on whatever it is as much as I can and tell myself to go back to it but if I lose interest, I need to wait until I get my interest back or it's just a chore of sorts. D;

[Angelic Gardevoir]

I have a pretty low self-esteem, I'm always doubting myself.
That being said though, I think the biggest enemy in myself as many of my friends, even the head lecturer at my College are really confident and encouraging in my abilities.

I mean I may come across as confident because I like to muck around, make a fool of myself and make others feel good about themselves, but when it comes down to it, I often question whether I'm good enough at most things.

Story of my life. Except for the "coming across as confident" part.

[Moby]

I have really high self-esteem. It feeds from me being successful in life, thus far, helping others succeed when I'm in a leadership position. It's led to a lot of success at school, work, and jobs. In general, I also have a large and very supportive social structure in my small town that encourages me. When an ENFP succeeds at many things, AND is genuinely loved that is a special privilege and I'd be hard pressed to find any ENFP who couldn't soar if given my lucky circumstances. I'm not rich (yet), or married, but I have the luxury of a stable life and many great people surrounding me. I hope ya'll will have this or get it soon!