Self-efficacy refers to the extent to which a person is convinced that they are capable of carrying out certain actions and overcoming challenges in order to achieve certain goals. This conviction is based on the assessment of one’s own abilities, competences and resources as well as on previous experiences and successes in similar tasks or situations. A high self-efficacy expectation leads people to actively tackle challenges, see difficulties as surmountable and remain committed despite setbacks, while a low self-efficacy expectation can lead to passivity, self-doubt and a low level of commitment.
In addition, self-efficacy expectations also influence the choice of goals and the strategies used to achieve them. People with high self-efficacy tend to set challenging goals and work hard to achieve them, while people with low self-efficacy tend to opt for less challenging goals or do not commit to them at all. These different approaches have a direct impact on performance and personal growth.
An important factor in promoting self-efficacy is feedback. Constructive feedback that recognises individual strengths and successes strengthens confidence in one’s own abilities and encourages people to continue working towards the goals they have set themselves. In addition, a sense of achievement and reaching milestones can further increase self-efficacy and maintain motivation to achieve goals.
