Everyone says you need confidence to succeed. They are wrong.
In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Success leads to confidence. Research shows that confidence has a lot more to do with past performance than it does with future achievements.
Confidence is not something you’re born with or not. It does not come from perfection, and it does not need to be faked. Confidence is a byproduct of trust. A trust in yourself developed as you prove your own reliability again and again.
Think back to a time when you dared to chase an improbable goal. Something you thought you might never achieve and looked with awe at those who did it before you. I could never pass that test, break that record, or get that promotion. But you did. How did you feel then? Accomplished? Invincible? Dare I say… confident?
Now you are probably thinking that this accomplishment seems so small compared to what you’re after today. You don’t feel that same belief in yourself anymore, and that is okay. In fact, if your current aspirations aren’t intimidating, then you are not challenging yourself and you are wasting your potential.
I know that sounds harsh, but here’s the secret: you can persistently and consciously develop more confidence. And it doesn’t have to be by breaking crazy records or hitting tremendous goals. You build confidence every time you keep a promise to yourself.
Have the courage to chase glorious dreams, but break them down into small targets. Every time you hit a target—you made that phone call, asked for that raise, finished that workout—you are adding a layer of true confidence.
I began by saying that confidence isn’t necessary for success, and I’ve demonstrated this, but it’s still undeniably helpful. We all want to feel more confident, and hopefully, I’ve shown you a way to build unshakable confidence today. So get out there and get great!
