believe in your power ...
The Glinda Factor celebrates the stories of women who influenced every aspect of America’s history, from sports to scientific breakthroughs. They all drew upon the power within them to follow their dreams and change our nation.
We all have the power within us to follow our dreams. Sometimes, however, that power can be hard to recognize — it's trusting in your abilities; it's embracing your strengths and accepting your weaknesses; it's being strong enough to ask for help along the way; it's never giving up.
Confidence is what turns our thoughts into action.
The Confidence Code for Girls
Confidence Crisis
Did you know that most girls in America experience a confidence crisis during their teenage years? According to a 2018 study conducted by Ypulse and The Confidence Code for Girls, girls experience a 30% drop in their confidence level between the ages of 8 and 14. This drop in confidence permeates all aspects of a teen girls’ life — from making new friends to trying a new sport to acing a test. Furthermore, most girls recognize their lack of confidence. According to the Ypulse study, 80% of teen girls would like to feel more confident. As a result, teen girls need as many tools as possible to help fight the confidence crisis.
The Confidence Gap
The study goes on to measure the difference between girls’ and boys’ confidence levels. And there is a significant gap. By age 14, girls’ confidence is 27% lower than boy’s confidence. Unfortunately, most girls never catch up and the confidence gap follows women throughout their lifetimes.
As a result of the confidence gap, many women underestimate their abilities. They sell themselves short — they don’t apply for a promotion because they may not be the best person for the job; they don’t ask for a raise because they haven’t earned it; they don’t sign up for a marathon because they aren’t fit enough. Meanwhile, many men overestimate their abilities. They assume they will succeed, which makes it easier to go for that promotion, ask for that raise, or sign up for that trialathon.
Self-Perpetuating Cycle
In The Confidence Gap (a 2014 article in The Atlantic magazine), journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman claim that the confidence gap can affect women’s achievements throughout their lives. They are less likely to believe they can succeed. And they are more likely to internalize failures. As a result, women are less likely to take risks and stretch themselves — which is how you gain confidence. Success creates confidence. But you can’t succeed without trying, and a lack of confidence prevents some women from trying. Do you see the vicious cycle here?
Closing the Confidence Gap
It is time to break the cycle and help every girl and woman claim her confidence — a gift that will follow them throughout their lifetime. In our own small way, The Glinda Factor wants to be part of the solution. The Glinda Factor provides inspiring stories about women who have succeeded through grit, determination, and believing in themselves. Our goal is to encourage teen girls to boost their confidence, try new things, and dare to follow their dreams.