Self-Confidence Makes Everything Better

Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings. 

-Samuel Johnson, British Author (1709-1784) 

Self-confidence is one of the commonly listed life skills gained from figure skating or from success in any sport. I remember walking through a mall a number of years ago and noticing a skater from a neighboring city in the distance. The skater was an intermediate-level skater and typically didn’t place first in competition. Yet, she had poise and self-confidence that made her stand out.

Christina in Sheffield 2012 Video

That was true for my daughter, Chrissy, as well. Chrissy found self-confidence to be a life skill that has helped her stand out in many areas.

• When Chrissy was younger, her self-confidence gained from figure skating allowed her to perform in dance recitals without nervousness.
• She performed confidently as a DJ and announcer.
• She did numerous newspaper, radio, and television interviews with poise and assuredness.
• She auditioned for a performing arts university place with no prior acting experience (other than figure skating) and was accepted, commended for her audition, and praised for being so self-confident.
• With the least acting experience in the program, she was given starring roles in the plays for her bachelor’s degree and had a leadership role in ensemble pieces.
• She was given a leading role in the Sheffield 2012 video, which was used in the successful bid for the 2012 Europeans to be held in Sheffield, England.
• She was given a Creative Spark Award for outstanding work in the creative disciplines at Sheffield Hallam University.
• She was given a Hallam Award at graduation as a student representative/academic affairs committee member demonstrating skills in public speaking, communication and time management.
• She was a successful speaker and awards presenter for a sports award night at a college in England.
• She started successful businesses.

This was all at age 19 or younger. Of course, my husband and I are very proud of Chrissy. And we realize that figure skating directly increased Chrissy’s self-confidence, allowing her to succeed in many areas.

Have you seen an increase in your child’s self-confidence from figure skating or another sport?