Reality Distortion Field, or just self-confidence?

When you hear Steve Jobs’ former colleagues describe him, they often say he created a Reality Distortion Field. Whatever he told them, they felt compelled to believe. This was true even if they were really sceptical to begin with.

There was no magical field. What they’re referring to is the power of Jobs’ self-belief.

It works both ways.

Smart people who lack self-belief also create a Reality Distortion Field. A negative one. The reality of their intelligence and creativity is horribly distorted. Their ideas and opinions are often dismissed, even if they’re brilliant. Because it’s hard for people to believe in someone, who doesn’t believe in themselves.

Clearly, self-belief is exceptionally valuable in every area of life.

Thankfully, self-belief is also something we create internally.