As I enter a new phase of my life, I find my confidence level to be off the charts. My newfound freedom has manifested in the release of old, self-protecting habits that no longer serve me. I don’t need to hide, be complacent, dumb down my joy, quell my energy, deny my enthusiasm, or any other number of containment behaviors. This release has led to a boost of confidence I have not experienced in a very, very long time—if ever. However, it has also resulted in a need to look deeply at my actions in order to understand when does confidence become arrogance?
To discern the differences between confidence and arrogance, I created the following comparison chart. Although not all of these are true all the time, I find these characteristics helpful in determining the fine line distinguishing whether I or someone else is confident or arrogant.
| Confident Behaviors | Arrogant Behaviors |
| Not worried about what others think | Need to be seen (often need to be the center of attention) |
| Do not need reassurance from others / belief in self | Thrive on assurance from others / have false or unrealistic view of oneself |
| Don’t need to be right or in charge | Dominant |
| Not threatened by other points of view / don’t need to be right | Not willing to hear or accept other points of view /believe (or act) as if your way is the only or right way |
| Positive energy | Negative energy |
| Okay being alone | Lonely |
| Fulfilled | Lacking / hollow |
| Selfless | Selfish |
| Centered | Not centered / lost |
| Real / authentic self | Acting / not authentic self |
| Pulls others in | Pushes others away |
I’m sure there are other traits and behaviors defining the fine line between confidence and arrogance, but this is a reasonable start to keep my own behavior in check.
Spiritual Imprint 