Cultivating Unwavering Self-Belief Through Adversity and Intrinsic Motivation

Key Quotes

"Right now, I can be completely sure that in that time when I was a kid, because I said I was a kid, because I was 20, like mentally and emotionally, I was 20. I was already becoming a man. But I mean, like emotionally and mentally, and learning a lot about emotions, mindset, a lot of stuff. It was, I don't want to look bad, at least. So don't mess up. Right? The don't mess up at least. So right now, I learned and it comes now from different, at different places, obviously. But in that time, it was like, don't mess it up. So that, that don't mess it up, helped me to be aware of of how I'm not gonna mess it up. If you don't know what's messing it up, you need to be very aware. And then that goal came in Wembley. So after that goal, yeah, I was like, yeah, I meant to be here, man. And something of like, I can. Of course, I can. I can. And something as well that I always been thriving, it's, I can, and I will."

Hernández explains that his early mindset was focused on avoiding mistakes, a form of self-awareness that paradoxically helped him succeed. He highlights that after achieving a significant goal, his internal dialogue shifted from "don't mess up" to "I can" and "I will." This demonstrates a progression in self-belief driven by tangible achievements.

"For me, it was the other way around always. It's not, I never, even though I don't want to say never, of course, we'll have moments that you feel a little bit hyped and different, obviously, we are humans. But my humbleness always was about self-confidence. It was the other way around. That's why the humbleness, because in my opinion, humbleness is not only about don't feel more, as well as don't feel less. And in my life, it's not being about feeling more, ever. It's the other way around. Don't feel less."

Hernández articulates a unique perspective on humbleness, defining it not as suppressing pride, but as maintaining self-worth and avoiding feelings of inadequacy. He contrasts this with the common understanding of humbleness as a reaction to success, emphasizing that for him, it's about not feeling inferior. This redefinition suggests that true humbleness can coexist with, and even stem from, a strong sense of self-confidence.

"And the humble part comes here. Because then my mother picked me up. We have chats and stuff. And we were in the in the laundry room in my house because I remember. And the humbleness that I felt the most humbled, was my mother told me, son, I've been talking with your father. I've been talking with a lot of people about like, because of course, we can have doubts that if you are not good enough, we want to see it. Because as well, that could be a gift for you too, you know, to be in time to pivot, you know. And with all the objectiveness, if you are good enough. Like your father, sorry, will tell you. If he doesn't think you're good enough. I will tell you. I've seen so much games. So do that. And now I want you, son. From now on, no expectations. I don't know how, what you need to do, what you have to do. I'm gonna be here to help you. Play for the love of the game. Don't forget the love of the game. Don't keep trying to achieve. Love the game."

Hernández recounts a pivotal moment where his mother's advice redefined his understanding of humility and self-worth during a career setback. His mother encouraged him to play for the love of the game without external expectations, emphasizing objective assessment of his abilities. This illustrates how familial support and a reframed perspective on pressure can foster resilience and a deeper connection to one's passion.

"And she asked me again, you want to be a soccer player? Like a professional soccer player, right? And I was like, of course, yes, mom, of course, right? So you need to do that. So the humbleness comes of like, she telling me, find the self-confidence in these moments."

Hernández shares how his mother's direct question about his aspirations, coupled with her guidance to find self-confidence, was a profound moment of humility. This exchange highlights the importance of external validation and clear affirmation from loved ones in reinforcing one's commitment and belief in their goals. It shows that finding confidence can be an active process guided by supportive relationships.