It is hard to know when a factor like the exchange rate or difficulties in hiring people is a challenge to be managed and which does not dent confidence, and when it begins to look more insurmountable and to undermine confidence. It is hard to know what influences the ephemeral mood at any time, but confidence is about more than mood. Confidence is surely about the way people as business managers, public policy makers and individuals face the future. It bespeaks a willingness to take risks and to work hard for an achievable, though by no means certain, outcome. It is about shaping and changing the world for something better, leading change rather than responding to, or resisting, change.
Confidence is about a willingness to lead change through, with and for other people.
We say we are a confident people, now that we've left the tale of Irish woe behind. Yes, young people seem to have lots of confidence. I hope it is not mere cockiness. Confidence is not fleeting or moody. Real confidence is, to my mind, grounded, resilient, applied and persuasive.