A Meaningful Gift: Confidence. While many parents may shop for physical gifts to give during the holiday season, think about what it would mean to give something life-changing like confidence. Although the characteristic trait might not sound as glamorous as a new electronic or toy, confidence can carry over into many areas of life and beyond. Studies have shown that confidence is a trait that sets people apart and helps them be more resilient. In an excerpt from Learning, Remembering, Believing Enhancing Human Performance(1994) , the National Research Council states: "Self-confidence is considered one of the most influential motivators and regulators of behavior in people’s everyday lives (Bandura, 1986). A growing body of evidence suggests that one’s perception of ability or self-confidence is the central mediating construct of achievement strivings (e.g., Bandura, 1977; Ericsson et al., 1993; Harter, 1978; Kuhl, 1992; Nicholls, 1984)." So how does one gift confidence? Through a LearningRx brain training program. After almost 5,000 online public reviews and hundreds of post-assessment feedback evaluations, confidence is possibly our number one result from brain training. Here are 3 of the top ways building cognitive skills through a LearningRx program can increase confidence. 1. Programming is Custom Each person’s brain is unique, and even studies have shown how no two brains are the same. Thus, brain training programs should be unique to an individual’s cognitive skills. Other programs may use a blanket approach to helping someone grow and build confidence, but a LearningRx brain training program meets people where they are. Our brain trainers will focus on the skills in need of strengthening, which can help clients improve more quickly. By narrowing the focus, clients can achieve tremendous results. 2. We are One-on-One We assign a personal brain trainer to guide clients through their brain training program. The brain trainer knows the plan and will come alongside and push the limits of the client’s mind. Brain trainers get to know clients and their brains and which buttons to press for further growth. Brain trainers help clients become more confident because they prove how much more they can achieve. 3. We Focus on Real Results and Improvements While some interventions focus on improving school or work performance scores, we note improvements at almost every session. Don’t get the wrong idea- we do care about performance outside of the center, but we want to get a clear picture of how well clients are improving every session instead of waiting for outside factors to determine growth. Recording improvements frequently helps clients see how much they are improving and growing. Even minor improvements can help someone see how far they have come since the beginning of their program. At the end of the training program, clients will take a post-assessment to measure gains. The assessment puts data on paper to show the client’s improvements. When students and parents see the growth, it only reinforces how stronger they have become. After taking on a challenging brain training program, the sky is the limit, and this is why confidence is our number one brain training outcome. If you or someone you know is interested in gaining confidence and growing their cognitive skills, reach out to a LearningRx center or fill out a contact us form on our website to get started. Citations National Research Council. 1994. Learning, Remembering, Believing: Enhancing Human Performance. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.https://doi.org/10.17226/2303.