self-confidence

"When you get into a sport like this it boosts your self-confidence, you can move more freely and you tend to take part in community activities," he said.

For his exceptionally rapid ascent, Mr. Hoyos credits Scipio’s ready access to funds as well as “self-confidence—not far off arrogance—and impatience with inconvenient convention.”

Attending gyms wasn't just about physical exercise; it was also a way to rebuild her self-confidence and redefine her personal identity.

Many people credit the at-home jabs with helping them quickly lose weight, but some are finding their self-confidence has been dented by how their arms, stomach, breasts and thighs now look.

Maybe it’s because, unless you were born with a preternaturally unshakable self-confidence few of us can claim, there’s a touch of the underdog in all of us.