In this cartoon, it humorously presents a scene of a football game in which the two rivals are facing each other. The striker on one team is preparing to make a decisive shoot while the goal-keeper on the opposite team is posing for defence. However, the pressure is so overwhelming that both of them are losing their confidence. The striker magnifies the goal-keeper in his mind so that chances of shooting in are slim. Likewise, the goal-keeper minimizes his own image as if he couldn’t defend the goal successfully.

Obviously, the purpose of the picture is to let us know how important self-confidence is in our daily life. On account of the quickening pace of life, competition becomes more and more fierce in all walks of life, imposing tremendous pressure on all individuals. The past few years have witnessed dramatic increase in the difficulty of examinations and employment. We must maintain powerful self-confidence and optimism in the face of challenges so as to survive and succeed. Suppose we are inclined to overestimate our rivals or problems and neglect our ability, we will become hesitating and doubtful of ourselves, unable to fulfill even a simple task. Therefore, it is necessary to embrace the strong faith that we are indomitable and invincible.

A case in point is the world famous star hurdler, Liu Xiang. He invariably imagines positively that he can win in every hurdle race, never shrinking in front of other experienced players. That’s why he works wonders again and again. As for me, I am participating in the college admission examination for graduates with thousands of competitors. Having prepared sufficiently for one year, I have powerful self-assurance that I can cruise to my dream university. As the saying goes, our only enemy is ourselves. Only by building strong self-confidence can we demonstrate grace under pressure and turn our dreams into reality.