What’s the best way to build self-confidence?
If you had asked me this question a few years ago, I probably would have said something about believing in yourself more or thinking positively.
But honestly, I don’t think confidence works that way.
Looking back, most of the things I’ve become confident in are things I was once terrified to do. I wasn’t confident when I started blogging. I wasn’t confident when I started recording podcast episodes. I wasn’t confident when I decided to pursue real estate. In fact, if I had waited until I felt confident enough, I probably never would have done any of those things.
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about confidence is that people believe confident people feel ready before they start.
Most of the time, they don’t. They just start anyway.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about confidence that I hope will encourage you if you’re struggling with it today.
Listen to “The Best Way to Build Self-Confidence (It’s Probably Not What You Think)” on Spreaker.
1. Stop Waiting Until You Feel Ready
If I had waited until I felt confident, I wouldn’t have a blog, a podcast, or a real estate license.
Confidence is usually the result of taking action, not the requirement for it. Sometimes you simply have to take the first step before you feel ready.
2. Keep Small Promises to Yourself
Confidence grows when you learn that you can trust yourself.
If you say you’re going to read for 10 minutes, do it. If you say you’re going to write one blog post, write it.
Small promises may seem insignificant, but they build self-respect over time.
3. Accept That You Will Be Bad at New Things
Nobody starts out as an expert. Your first blog post won’t be your best. Your first podcast episode may feel awkward. Your first attempt at anything new probably won’t be perfect.
THATS OKAY! 😊
Confidence grows when you allow yourself to be a beginner.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Recently I sold a romper that no longer fit me for $15.
Was it life-changing money?
No. But it was a win. 😂
Too often we overlook small victories because we’re focused on bigger goals.
Celebrate progress, even when it seems small. Small wins build momentum.
5. Stop Comparing Your Journey to Everyone Else’s
Social media makes it easy to feel behind. There will always be someone making more money, growing faster, or achieving bigger things.
Instead of focusing on what everyone else is doing, focus on your next step.
The only person you need to be better than is the version of yourself from yesterday.
6. Put Your Confidence in God, Not Just Yourself
This may be the most important lesson I’ve learned. There are days when I feel capable and days when I don’t. There are days when I feel motivated and days when I question everything.
If my confidence depends entirely on how I feel, it will constantly change.
But God doesn’t change.
When I remember that He is guiding my steps, I don’t have to have everything figured out before moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Seven years ago, I was a young mom writing blog posts because I needed an outlet.
I didn’t feel confident.
I was simply taking the next step.
Looking back now, I realize confidence wasn’t something I found.
It was something that grew every time I took another step forward.
If you’re waiting to feel confident before you begin, let this be your reminder: Start anyway.
The confidence you’re looking for may be waiting on the other side of that first step.
