Making a list of my competencies and capabilities.

I found this simple task difficult and spent some more timing thinking about why that was. Although I do consider myself a good teacher or at least capable. I can’t help but feel I could be better. It led me to recall a conversation with a colleague regarding our sometimes lack of confidence in our own abilities in comparison to other members of staff. When we stated enviously how we sometimes wished we had the confidence of others it came apparent that it was this lack of confidence that drove us to continue to develop our learning, always trying to be better than we are in an attempt to compete with those so sure of their abilities. It did get me thinking…..

Is low self-confidence always such a bad thing? Can it drive us to be better?

I feel that in my case it does but does this unconventional motivation work for others? For our students possibly?

I was considering looking into motivation for my inquiry and this seem to be an extension of that. It has always fascinated (and infuriated) me, as I'm sure it does all teachers, how sometimes the most talented of students can be the laziest. Like they feel so confident in their abilities they don’t feel the need to push themselves to be better. It would be interesting to know why some students will low self-confidence are always pushing themselves and are motivated to progress while for others it creates a barrier and stops them from developing their capabilities.
Any thoughts or comments would be valued.