1. Prerequisite to Achievement

The early explorers who left Europe to sail west in search of new lands were filled with confidence. They had faith they would not fall off the “edge” of the world. They were confident in their destination and in their ability to reach it. As a result, they discovered a new world of wonder and wealth.

Self-confidence is also an indispensable quality for the spiritual explorer. Little, if anything, can be achieved without it. We must believe that we can accomplish the task and walk the path to our destination. Without hope for a successful outcome, there can be little enthusiasm for the journey. We must be convinced of our innate divinity. There is no room for self-condemnation, which makes us doubt our worthiness to succeed.

Without self-confidence, no achievement is possible. If you have confidence in your strength and skills, you can draw upon the inner springs of courage and raise yourself to higher levels of joy and peace. Confidence in yourself arises through the atma, your inner reality. The atma is peace, joy, strength, and wisdom. From the atma, you draw all the equipment needed for spiritual progress.

— Sathya Sai Speaks 6, p. 102

Without self-confidence, we are tossed upon stormy seas of confusion and doubt. Without that deep faith in ourselves, we wander from port to port, never finding rest. The fulfillment we seek in the world is found within. Whatever satisfaction we find outside is only a reflection of our inner contentment.

The first thing you must do is develop self-confidence. Those who lack faith in themselves begin to wander, hesitate, and take multiple paths.

— Sathya Sai Speaks 9, p. 184