Final answer:
Self-efficacy is an individual's belief in their capability to succeed in specific tasks, affecting motivation and perseverance, which are key for success. It is closely related to the psychological concept of grit and is enhanced by maintaining an optimistic outlook on one's abilities and potential career achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes a person's belief in his or her ability to successfully take action and perform a specific task is self-efficacy. This concept, greatly influenced by psychologist Albert Bandura, highlights how one's belief in one's capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments can affect motivation and perseverance, or grit. Emphasizing the importance of self-efficacy, Bandura noted that it's not solely our skills that determine our achievements, but also whether we believe we can activate these skills effectively. This belief in our abilities strengthens our resilience and empowers us to tackle challenges, boosting our likelihood of career success.
To further explain, having a high level of self-efficacy means you are more likely to set challenging goals, remain dedicated in the face of obstacles, and recover from setbacks more readily. This concept aligns with the need for achievement in social motive theories and resonates well with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which encompasses a spectrum of human motives. Remaining optimistic about one's abilities and future outcomes is crucial, as it leads to continued effort and persistence towards one's goals, illustrating the interconnectedness between self-efficacy, grit, and optimism.