"Early in my career I was accused of being overconfident and even cocky, but I really was confident that I had done the training and didn't see any other reason to say otherwise"

In this quote, Alberto Salazar reflects on a vital understanding of his early career, where he was implicated of being overconfident or perhaps arrogant. This introspective declaration speaks with the fine line between self-confidence and perceived arrogance, particularly in high-performance environments such as competitive sports.

Salazar's assertion, "I actually was confident that I had actually done the training," highlights a fundamental aspect of self-assurance rooted in preparation and effort. Self-confidence-- in his view-- is stemmed from a deep understanding of one's abilities, honed through extensive and constant training. For professional athletes, the self-confidence that originates from preparation is essential as it helps them perform under pressure and stay resistant in the face of challenges. Salazar, having actually devoted himself to substantial preparation, discovered no factor to feign humbleness when he understood he had put in the essential work.

The idea of "not seeing any other factor to state otherwise" suggests a state of mind focused on openness and authenticity. Salazar appears to advocate for genuineness in self-assessment, where his recommendation of his readiness and capabilities was not an exterior, however an authentic reflection of his trainable efforts. This transparency may have been misconstrued as cockiness by others, but for Salazar, it was merely a sincere representation of his journey and commitment.

The perceived cockiness might be credited to social and cultural perceptions where individuals, particularly those in the public eye, may be anticipated to exhibit modesty. Yet, for those who run in high-stakes, competitive arenas, revealing confidence is frequently important for success and mental perseverance.

In summary, through this quote, Salazar discuss the fundamental tension in between self-perception and external judgment. He highlights the significance of personal conviction rooted in extensive preparation as the real foundation for his confidence, despite how it may be perceived by others.