How to Skyrocket Your Confidence

INTRODUCTION

Confidence isn't just about feeling good; it's a foundational element of success in leadership. But it's not uncommon for even the most seasoned leaders to hit a slump. The good news? Confidence can be built, and it starts with actionable steps.

ACTIONABLE STEPS TO BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

1. Reconnect with Your Core Values

Ground yourself in what matters most. What do you stand for? Pinpointing your values isn't just motivational fluff; it's about ensuring your actions and decisions are coherent with what you truly believe. This alignment fosters authentic confidence that won’t waver under pressure.

2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

See potential, not limitations. Intelligence and skill aren't fixed; they can grow with effort. When you view challenges as opportunities to learn, not just obstacles to overcome, you build the kind of confidence that endures beyond the easy wins.

3. Transform Your Inner Critic into an Inner Champion

Talk to yourself like you would a trusted colleague. Would you let them dwell on a misstep? No, you'd remind them of their capabilities. Do the same for yourself. When that inner critic pipes up, respond with evidence of your competencies and past successes.

4. Reframe Failure as a Learning Tool

Use setbacks as data points, not defeat. Failed attempts are not a reflection of your worth. They're feedback. Analyse what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and move forward with this new knowledge in your toolkit.

5. Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection

Chase progress, not the impossible. Perfection is an illusion and chasing it can lead to leadership paralysis. Instead, aim for excellence—doing the best you can with what you have. This mindset encourages a focus on continuous improvement, which is a realistic and confidence-boosting goal.

6. Take Action

Taking action builds confidence. Begin with small, achievable goals, and with each completed task, your self-assurance and trust in your capabilities will grow.

7. Take Smart Risks

Step out of your comfort zone with purpose. Risks are scary, but stagnation is worse. Assess the pros and cons, then take that calculated leap. Every risk that pays off builds another layer of confidence.

8. Normalise the Role of Failure in Growth

Expect to stumble and be okay with it. Every leader, at every level, has faced failure. The difference is that confident and resilient leaders don't let it define them. They learn, they grow, and they keep going.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Confidence isn't a trait that some people are born with and others aren't—it's a skill you can develop. By embracing these eight strategies, you're not just boosting your confidence; you're setting a foundation for sustained personal and professional growth. Start small if you need to but start today.

And remember, this is a journey best shared. If you’d like support, ideas, and strategies that keep you moving forward, join the community and follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram 👋

FURTHER READING

This is such a broad topic it’s difficult to narrow down a reading list to a handful of titles but here are a few which I’d recommend as a great starting point (please comment below if you have any more that you think we should all be reading):

1. “The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem” by Dr Nathaniel Branden: First published in 1994, this book may be comparatively old but is ideal for anyone looking to understand the underpinnings of self-esteem and confidence. Dr. Branden presents six practices (pillars) essential for the nurturing and sustaining of healthy self-esteem. These pillars provide actionable insights into how one can improve their self-esteem, which is inextricably linked to confidence.

2. "The Confidence Gap: From Fear to Freedom" by Russ Harris: Using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, therapist and coach Russ Harris provides a very practical approach to overcoming fear and building solid confidence.

3. “Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success" by John C. Maxwell: This book is a must-read for anyone looking to reframe their view of failure. Maxwell argues that the secret to success is not avoiding failure but learning to deal with it constructively, which is key to building lasting confidence.

4. “Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway: How to Turn Your Fear and Indecision into Confidence and Action” by Susan Jeffers: This book is about facing fears head-on and empowering the reader with the tools to transform fear into growth and indecision into action, laying the foundation for lasting confidence.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Kaley