The Confidence Myth:
Why You Don’t Need to “Feel Ready” to Take Action
How many times have you told yourself, I’ll do it when I feel ready?
How many dreams, goals, or opportunities have you postponed because you believed you needed more confidence first?
Here’s the truth: waiting for confidence is the biggest lie we tell ourselves. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for taking action—it’s a byproduct of it. You don’t wake up one day feeling 100% ready. Instead, confidence is something you build by stepping into the discomfort, taking small actions, and proving to yourself that you are capable.
If you’ve been putting off something important—whether it’s speaking up in meetings, starting your own business, or making a career shift—this is for you.
Why We Think We Need Confidence First
(And Why That’s Wrong)
Society teaches us that confident people succeed because they already believe in themselves. But neuroscience tells a different story: confidence is created through action. The more we do something, the more our brains reinforce the belief that we are capable. This is called the Confidence-Action Loop.
Take a small action.
See progress or simply survive the discomfort.
Feel more confident.
Take bigger action.
Confidence isn’t something you have—it’s something you practice. The first time you try something new, it’s uncomfortable. But the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Think of it like strengthening a muscle—the more reps you put in, the stronger it gets.
How to Take Action Before You Feel Ready
If you’ve been waiting for confidence to magically appear, it’s time to flip the script. Here’s how:
Reframe Your Thinking → Instead of saying, “I need confidence first,” shift to, “I build confidence through action.”
Start Small → Choose one micro-action today. If you’re afraid of speaking up in meetings, start by sharing a single idea. If launching a business feels overwhelming, write a single post about your expertise.
Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway → Confidence is discomfort repeated. It’s about taking action despite the nerves, not waiting for them to disappear.
Track Small Wins → Keep a Confidence Journal of everything you did despite fear. Seeing your progress over time reinforces that you can do hard things.
Real-Life Proof: Confidence is Built, Not Born
I once worked with a client who was terrified of stepping into leadership. She believed she needed to feel like a leader before taking on a bigger role. Instead of waiting, she started with small actions—leading a single meeting, asking more questions, offering her perspective. Within months, she wasn’t just leading—she was thriving. Her confidence didn’t come before the action—it came because of it.
The same is true for you.
Your Next Step: Take One Bold Action Today
Confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build. What’s one small action you can take today before you feel ready?
And if you’re ready to break free from self-doubt and step fully into your next chapter, let’s work together.
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