What's the difference between arrogance and confidence?

 The thing about confidence is that

Too high levels of it can cause a problem and too low levels of it also can cause a problem.

It is like your slipper-size. Have to be exact—neither short nor long.

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Remember this 2016 India-Bangladesh Match?

Bangladesh was chasing 147 to win over India .

Mushfiqur Rahim hit two fours in the last over and the Bangladesh team needed just 2 runs in the last 3 balls to win the game.

Mushfiqur Rahim went up in celebration.

He knew it was his day.

So when a day is yours, why not just take a run each for any of the two balls and end it normal? It is natural to aim big and give a finishing shot amid thundering applause.

But, the very next ball he holed out in the deep, leaving only two balls left.

Mahmudullah followed Rahim and hit the next ball too in a similar fashion instead of going for a safe and easy run.

And the last ball sadly resulted in a disastrous run-out, crashing their dreams.

This is an example of arrogance.

This happens when you are over-confident about yourself. You are so sure of winning that you take the process for granted and focus on the celebration instead. It makes you lethargic and stay light on preparation.

Want to know what confidence looks like?

The same match has that, shown by the person who did that final run-out.

When a batsman hits two fours in the last over and there are only two runs needed from the three balls, and when there are high chances of the match being a draw or Bangladesh winning, it is quite easy to lose hope.

It can even make you accept the fate sadly and give up.

But to remain calm and composed at such a situation and work with even more fervor till the last minute, hoping than you can still do something is a clear show of confidence.

Dhoni did exactly that—Maintained sharp focus and energy at such a fragile point, removed his gloves in order to hit the stumps positively if there is a chance of a run-out, did not just throw the ball at the stumps as luck cannot be trusted always (as happened in the case of the batsmen), but outpaced Rahman to reach the crease first and hit the wickets directly.

The right amount of confidence is the trust you have on your skills and energy that make you believe you still have a chance. When you translate that into work, it results in wonders.

Sometimes,

In just half-second, you can turn from a loser to winner.

Confidence is believing in the magic of that half-second and working with full hope to harness it.

Over-confidence, under-confidence or arrogance are living in denial about that half-second.

How did Brahman/Yaksha break Indra's arrogance?

 Brahman (here portrayed as Shiva) breaking the Pride of the devas is described in Kena Upanishad.

Devas became arrogant because of their victories disregarding the fact that they obtained it only due to Brahman. Brahman therefore appeared before them to test them

The Brahman won a victory for the Devas and in that victory of the Brahman the Devas attained glory. They thought ‘the victory is ours and this glory is ours alone.’ He (Brahman) knew this notion of theirs and appeared before them. What that Great Spirit was they did not know.

• Verses 14–15, part 3, Kena Upanishad.

The devas sent Agni to find out who this person was. Brahman put forward a straw and asked Agni to burn it if he can. Agni tried but failed miserably

They addressed the Fire thus “O Jataveda! Find out what this Great Spirit is.” He said “yes.” He ran to That. That said to him “who art thou?” He replied “I am Agni or I am Jataveda.” That said “what power, in thee so named, is lodged.’ He replied “I can burn even all this, on the earth.” That (Brahman) placed a straw before him and said: ‘Burn this.’ He approached it with all haste but was not able to burn it. He immediately returned from thence to the Devas and said I was not able to learn what this Great Spirit is.”

• Verses 16–19, part 3, Kena Upanishad.

The devas sent Vayu to find out who this person was. Brahman put forward a straw and asked Vayu to blow it away if he can. Vayu tried but failed miserably

The Devas then said to Vayu: “Learn O Vayu! what this Great Spirit is” He said: “yes.” He ran to That. That said: “who art thou”? lie replied: “I am Vayu or Matarisva.” That said “what power is in thee; so well known?” He replied: “I can blow away all the universe and all that is on the earth.” That (Brahman) placed a straw before him and said “Blow it away.” He approached it with all speed but was not able to blow it. He returned immediately from there and told the Devas “I was not able to learn who this Great Spirit is.”

• Verses 20–23, part 3, Kena Upanishad.

Finally, the devas send Indra to find out the person’s identity. As he approached, Indra saw the great Uma Parvati beside the man. She revealed that the man was Brahman himself

Then they said to Indra: “Maghavan! learn what this Great Spirit is.” He said “yes” and ran to That. That vanished from his view. He beheld in that very spot a woman, Uma, very beautiful and of golden hue, daughter of Himavat. He said to her “What is this Great Spirit?” She said “It is Brahman indeed. Attain glory in the victory of Brahman.” From her words only, he learned that it was Brahman.

• Verses and 24–26, Part 3 and 4, Kena Upanishad.

Because Indra realised the Brahman, he became the best among the devas

These Devas Agni, Vayu and Indra therefore much excel others, because they touched the Brahman nearest. They it was who first knew the Spirit to be Brahman. Therefore also does Indra considerably excel other Devas because he approached Brahman nearest and because he first knew the Spirit to be Brahman.

• Verses 27–28, part 4, Kena Upanishad.

What's the difference between arrogance and confidence?

 (An analogy )

• Confidence: Naresh Goyal - aviation tycoon was born in Punjab . As his father died young; he had to suffer hard ships during his childhood and adolescence.
• Hard working: After completing his schooling ; he started working as a cashier in a small travel agency run by his maternal uncle in Delhi.

• He later completed his graduation in commerce and joined an international airlines as a General sales agent. He worked in many airlines in different roles.
• Networking: Well, he soon learnt ropes of trade and also made contacts across who's who of aviation sector.

• Jet Airways: It did not take him long to realize that India needed a low cost air lines carrier that provides better services at right time .With the help of his contacts ; he raised enough funds to launch Jet Airways in 1991.

• Respected: With his friendliness and generosity; Naresh Goyal earned respect of his employees and many others.
• Leadership: His life saga was seen as a hall mark of Indian entrepreneurship and he also earned a number of business awards .

• Arrogance: Nevertheless; many believe that over in his abilities made him take bad decisions. Although aviation sector was going through bad phase; but, he was often seen as a symbol of extravaganza
  [1]

• Megalomania: Naturally, excessive expenditure led to heavy losses.Although, industry experts expected him to either resign or allow it run by others; he did not relent a bit.
  [2]

• Backlash: Undoubtedly, his employees and lenders were not pleased and it led to massive protests .

• Resignation: Finally, he and his wife had to resign as Chairman and member of company board under unsavory circumstances. It was really a sad end of a leadership saga.
  [3]
• Conclusion: Confident builds castle in air; arrogant bites the dust
• Pic credit: Google
• Note: Kindly appreciate it without taking offence !

Footnotes

[1] 

Ousted by lenders, Naresh Goyal tries to re-enter Jet Airways' cockpit

[2] 

Naresh Goyal flew too close to the sun

[3] 

Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal, wife resign amid debt crisis