I stumbled across a blog called ThinkingWoman1 and a very interesting post, on the difference between narcissism and self-confidence. While you may or may not like many of the opinions expressed on this site (as I found), I did like the comparative differences between narcissism and self-confidence. Many people with ADD are impacted by narcissism, so this is a very relevant post and this blog has done a great job of capturing these differences.
- Narcissism is all about self. Self-confidence is inclusive.
- Narcissism is about being better than. Self-confidence is about being as good as you can possibly be and/or as good as everyone else.
- Narcissists want recognition and attention. Self-confident people want to do what they love and do it well.
- Narcissism is about entitlement. Self-confidence is about celebrating achievement.
- Narcissism is about projecting a false image. Self-confidence is about taking pride in what I know, what I have learned/studied and what I know I am good at.
- Narcissists lie. Self-confident people are goal-oriented and want to win but make no false promises.
- Narcissists repress their emotions/feelings. Self-confident people possess freedom of expression.
- Narcissists are manipulative. Self-confident people are persuasive.
- Narcissists are motivated by power and control. Self-confident people are motivated by achievement.
- Narcissists are obsessed about appearance. Self-confident people care more about their abilities.
- Narcissists care little for human values. Self-confident people value being human.
- Narcissists value material possessions. Self-confident people value experience.
- Narcissists value notoriety. Self-confident people value dignity.
Sadly, I’ve come across a lot of people who don’t know the difference.
Excellent, helpful post. I’d like to use some of these distinctions when I’m helping people embrace confidence who fear they will turn into narcissists. I usually reassure that if you’re worried about becoming a narcissist, that is protection alone ; )