Early exposure to sports, education and mentorship plays a vital role in building confidence and resilience among young people, while financial preparedness significantly strengthens people's ability to cope with life's challenges, according to a new multinational study by MetLife.
The Confident Pathways Report, conducted across the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Mexico, found a significant "confidence gap," revealing that although many adults consider themselves resilient, their confidence drops by 72 percent when confronted with real-life financial, emotional or personal setbacks.
The report examined how confidence develops throughout life and found that opportunity, preparedness and strong support systems are key factors that help people navigate uncertainty, recover from adversity and pursue their goals.
Commenting on the findings, Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of MetLife Bangladesh, said the ongoing Football World Cup serves as a reminder of the transformative role sports can play in shaping young people's future.
"As the world comes together during the Football World Cup, it reminds us how sports teach teamwork, discipline and resilience—qualities that are essential for building confidence in the face of life's challenges," he said.
Ala Ahmad noted that Bangladesh, with one of the world's youngest populations, has a unique opportunity to invest in its future by expanding access to sports, education and mentorship.
He said nearly 28 percent of Bangladesh's population is made up of young people, while almost 50 million citizens are aged between 10 and 24, representing a significant demographic advantage.
"Investing in early exposure to sports, education and mentorship is critical," he said. "At MetLife Bangladesh, we are committed to helping individuals and families build confidence through greater financial preparedness and access to protection, enabling people to move forward with confidence and realise their full potential."
The report also highlights the positive relationship between sports participation and mental well-being, particularly among young people, suggesting that encouraging children to engage in sports can contribute to a more confident and resilient generation.
According to the findings, more than half of adults who participated in sports during childhood said the experience improved their confidence (56 percent) and persistence (52 percent). Parents also expressed strong support for sports and mentorship programmes as effective tools for developing life skills.
The study further found that financial preparedness has a major influence on confidence. Adults who actively save money or maintain life insurance coverage were found to be 20 times more likely to feel confident about overcoming setbacks than those who had taken no financial preparedness measures.
Despite these findings, the report points to gaps in social support. Only 41 percent of respondents said they feel supported by friends, while just 31 percent reported receiving support from their wider community, underscoring the need to strengthen social connections alongside financial resilience.
MetLife said the findings reinforce the importance of creating environments where young people have access to opportunities that build confidence, resilience and long-term well-being.
