I was privileged to be allowed to read a few chapters of Wise Confidence before its public release date. My review is based on that reading. It led me to pre-order the book that arrived on 12 March 2024. I am confident that neither you nor I will be disappointed.
I was introduced to Giovanni Dienstmann through his writing on Mindful Self-Discipline and newsletters. His writings are not “earth-shattering original thoughts.” However, he is a masterful synthesizer/interpreter of wisdom and knowledge that has been helpful for centuries.
In Wise Confidence, he explains clearly the importance of confidence and how it relates to our lives.
Our intentional behaviors (and probably many of our unintentional behaviors) start with our mindset. The saying goes, “If you think you cannot do something. You are probably right.” Developing a growth mindset is essential to an individual’s capacity to change and improve. Giovanni integrates this observation (perhaps made famously by American psychologist Carol Dweck) with ancient and contemporary knowledge of human nature.
Of course, believing in the possibility of human growth does not automatically lead to such development. It is a necessary factor but is not sufficient alone. One also needs the motivation to change and an effective method/training to effectuate the desired change.
Giovanni’s book assists with all the elements. As he writes in his book, there are three essential elements to being confident: Your aspiration, your awareness, and your actions. The book helps you systematically integrate psychology, mindfulness spirituality, and personal growth literature.
It is not a “magic pill,” however. Reading this book (or any other book) will not significantly change your life and confidence unless you work on it. Giovanni is upfront about that. The book provides a blueprint for effectuating personal change congruent with your best aspirations. Change is inevitable. If we do not deliberately choose the direction of our change, it will generally be a negative change. After all, the entire universe is subject to entropy/chaos.
Giovanni points out that many others deal with the issue of confidence and growth by looking at the methodology without first laying out the foundation of mindset, precisely the mentality that we must live “from the inside out.” That is the only way to develop self-confidence (never to be confused with arrogance or conceit). Instead, confidence comes from courage, optimism, integrity, and determination.
Of course, everybody will have challenges with developing and sustaining such confidence. The book guides us to respond accordingly.
For example, promoting awareness includes honest (and perhaps upsetting) self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses.
We are the designers of ourselves. If we don’t take charge- if we don’t have the confidence, motivation, and techniques to want to improve- it will not happen.
Wise confidence is not the end-all book that will meet your every need. But it will provide a good guide and blueprint- IF YOU WORK IT.
Read it! I am confident that you will find it worthwhile.