When it comes to the genuinely confident, their journey is one of satisfaction and – yes – better pay.   That’s according to Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.” He says genuinely confident people earn more and are promoted more quickly. Part of their success comes from their ability to look within for inspiration. They have an uncanny ability to summon pleasure and satisfaction from their own accomplishments rather than from what other people think of them.

Confident people don’t mask their insecurities by trying to be something they’re not. They believe that being one’s self is more effective than trying to prove they’re important.

The genuinely confident speak with certainty. They understand that people don’t listen if you can’t deliver ideas with conviction. And, they aren’t afraid to be wrong. They put their opinions out there to see if they hold up, knowing they’ll learn from the times they are wrong.

They also take risks. Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, they ask themselves, “What’s to stop me?” or “Why can’t I do that?” or better yet, “How am I going to make that happen?”

The truly confident seek out small victories. That builds new androgen receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for reward and motivation.

Through exercise, they boost endorphins, thereby increasing positivity. Side note: we now know, thanks to researchers in the UK and Ireland, that there is a bi-directional relationship between an active lifestyle and the brain’s ability to engage self-control, set and meet goals, resist temptation and solve problems. All of these executive brain functions are in play when it comes to confidence and emotional intelligence.

Other ways Bradberry says genuinely confident people set themselves apart:

They turn the spotlight on others rather than seeking attention for themselves. This may be the biggest factor leading to higher rates of promotion. According to Bradberry, the truly confident celebrate the successes of others without worrying about their own relevance. They are jazzed by inspiring others and focusing on what the people around them bring to the table. As a result, they listen more than they speak because they don’t need to prove or promote themselves. They grow continuously by paying attention to and learning from others.

If you feel true confidence is out of reach, start peeling back your layers to get to the person you really are, rather than the person you think you should be. You are a combination of the people and influences that have shaped you since the day you were born. Your true self is waiting to be discovered. When you find and acknowledge your true self, and allow that part of you to guide your life, you will emerge genuinely confident and ready to take on any challenge. And, you’ll grow by helping others take on challenges and succeed.