Symbols of self-confidence isn’t just about how you feel; it’s also about how you show up in the world. While confidence might seem abstract, it’s often reinforced through tangible, physical representations—symbols that remind us of our strength, resilience, and potential. Understanding and incorporating these symbols can help reshape your mindset and empower your daily life.
Robert was preparing for a speech he was to present at a national conference. He knew there would be hundreds of colleagues in the audience, who he felt might harshly judge his performance. People who were in positions of greater power and others with less experience or status would be there. Either way, he could jeopardize his reputation and future promotion by messing this up.
He found me on Google and gave me a call. As soon as we started working together, he began to regain his confidence and composure. We stepped through several techniques, exploring the thoughts and feelings that swirled within whenever he anticipated getting up on stage in front of all those people. One of the more powerful tools we used was the Empowerment Symbol.
The Philosophy and Psychology Behind Symbols
Symbols have been used for centuries to communicate complex ideas, evoke emotions, and inspire action. In philosophy, symbols fall under the umbrella of the fifth branch of philosophy: Aesthetics. This branch encompasses how we communicate intangible concepts such as freedom or fear through paintings, drama, sculpture, or music. In psychology, symbols act as anchors, connecting your subconscious mind to specific thoughts or feelings. A well-chosen symbol can trigger a sense of empowerment, reminding you of your worth and abilities even during challenging moments.
Symbols are powerful tools that communicate complex ideas instantly. They bypass our logical minds and speak directly to our emotions and instincts. When encountering a symbol, your brain processes it much faster than words alone. This is why symbols play a crucial role in institutions and organizations, particularly in military services, where they represent values like strength, honor, and duty. AFNS Armed Forces Nursing Service is a strong example of how symbols unify personnel under a shared sense of purpose, fostering resilience and commitment.
When you consciously adopt symbols of self-confidence, you create a visual and emotional cue that reinforces a positive mindset. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a mantra, or an image, these symbols serve as a bridge between your inner world and outward actions.
What Are Symbols of Self-Confidence?
Symbols of self-confidence can take many forms, and their meaning is deeply personal. Here are some examples:
- Animal Totems: Animals like lions, eagles, or butterflies often symbolize courage, freedom, or transformation. Connecting with an animal totem can remind you to embody these qualities in your daily life.
- Words and Mantras: A simple word like “Fearless” or a phrase like “I am enough” can become a powerful mental symbol when repeated or displayed prominently.
- Colors and Shapes: Colors like gold, red, or blue are often associated with confidence, power, and calmness, while shapes like circles and triangles can evoke feelings of completion and balance.
- Flags and Icons: Flags give instant recognition of countries or organizations and invoke all they stand for. Icons may be a cross, Star of David, religious statue, logo, or hazardous material symbol.
- Empowerment Symbols: These are uniquely imagined objets created to evoke a sense of inner strength and clarity. For example, a crystal ball may represent intuition and clarity, while a rose quartz heart can symbolize self-love. Empowerment symbols can be conjured at will in the imagination while some clients find objects that resemble the symbol to carry with them as reminders.
How Symbols Shape Your Mindset
The process of adopting and using confidence symbols is both practical and transformative. Here’s how they can help:
1. Engaging the Subconscious Mind
Symbols communicate directly with your subconscious, bypassing logical resistance. This makes them a powerful tool for reshaping negative beliefs and reinforcing positive self-perceptions.
2. Providing a Visual Anchor
Seeing a symbol regularly reinforces its meaning in your mind. For example, wearing a cap or sweatshirt with your favorite team’s logo reinforces your loyalty and raises your competitive energy aimed at bringing a win to the team.
3. Encouraging Mindfulness
When you consciously engage with a symbol—through visualization, touch, or focused thought—you become more present and connected to its empowering message. Think of the rosary, worry beads, a wedding ring, or a string around your finger.
4. Strengthening Intentions
Symbols can amplify your intentions. When you aim to enhance confidence, groundedness, self-love, or other feelings, you can call on representative symbols and wield them like a Harry Potter magical tool.
Incorporating Empowerment Symbols into Your Life
Adopting symbols of self-confidence doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul of your routine. They can generally be incorporated into your daily routine.
In 2004, my technique of Empowerment Symbol was first published in my book Hypnotherapy: A Client-Centered Approach, and later in my 2025 book Mastering Hypnotherapy: Transformational Strategies for Healers and Coaches. I developed this method of anchoring positive traits and feelings to enhance client experiences. By envisioning an object they imagine holding in their hands, they create an image to rely on forever when needed.
The Ripple Effect of Confidence
As my client relaxed into hypnotherapy, his imagination produced the image of an opal in matrix material. As he imagined holding it in his hands, he said it reminded him that while he may appear plain on the outside, he had depth and luminescence on the inside. As he held it, he felt the glow move through him until he radiated confidence and intelligence.
He knew that he had an important message to share with his audience, and he felt confident and assured that they would be highly interested in what he had to say. He left the session excited to polish up his speech, connecting with his mission of delivering this critical information to his colleagues.
When you adopt symbols of self-confidence, the impact extends far beyond your mindset. Confidence influences how you interact with others, pursue opportunities, and handle challenges. It sets a tone for your life that is bold, intentional, and inspiring.
By incorporating these symbols into your daily life, you’re not just changing your mindset—you’re creating a foundation for long-term growth and self-assurance. The next time you face a challenge, let your symbols remind you of your inner strength and limitless potential.
Final Thoughts
Symbols of self-confidence are more than just decorative objects or abstract ideas; they are tools for transformation. Whether you choose an empowerment symbol, an animal totem, or a powerful mantra, these symbols can anchor you in your authenticity and inspire you to reach your fullest potential.
