Confidence Comes After Action - Not Before

By: Marissa Pollet

Many people believe they need to feel confident before they try something new. They wait until they feel ready, capable, or fearless to take on trying something new or scary. The problem is that confidence rarely works this way. More often than not, confidence is something you build by taking action, not something you have before you begin.

Why We Wait

It's natural to think:

• "I'll apply when I'm more confident."

• "I'll speak up when I believe in myself."

• "I'll start exercising when I feel motivated."

• "I'll make that phone call when my anxiety is lower."

• “I’ll try a new hobby when I feel ready.”

The truth is, waiting for confidence can keep us stuck. Confidence doesn't usually appear on its own. It grows through experience and takes a leap of faith knowing that the perfect moment to step out of your comfort zone rarely arrives.

Action Creates Confidence

Think about learning to ride a bike, drive a car, or start a new job. Most people don't begin feeling confident. They begin feeling nervous and confidence grows with tiny bouts of success and the ability to believe in yourself.

Each small success teaches the brain something important:

• "I handled that."

• "It wasn't as bad as I expected."

• "Maybe I can do this again."

• “I tried this and I came out ok.”

Confidence Is Built, Not Found

Confidence isn't a personality trait that some people are born with. It's a skill that develops through repetition. Every time you take a step outside of your comfort zone, you teach your brain to facechallenges and cope with them effectively. This doesn't mean the fear of trying something new disappears overnight. It means your confidence slowly becomes stronger than your fear.

Start Small

You don't need to make huge changes. Try taking one small action each day that challenges you and builds confidence. Small actions often lead to bigger changes over time.

Try taking one small action each day, such as:

• Speaking up once during a meeting.

• Going for a ten-minute walk.

• Starting a task you've been putting off.

• Saying yes to a new opportunity.

• Making that phone call you've been avoiding.

Accept Imperfection

Many people avoid taking action because they want everything to go perfectly.

Remember:

• You don't have to be fearless.

• You don't have to know everything.

• You don't have to get it right the first time.

• You can make mistakes and still grow

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Instead of asking yourself, "Do I feel confident enough?"

Try asking:

• "What's one small step I can take today?"

• "What can I learn from trying?"

• "Will waiting actually make this easier or harder?"

Often, the answer is no.

Taking the First Steps

Confidence is rarely the starting point. It's the result of showing up, trying, learning, and trying again. You don't need to wait until you believe in yourself to before acting. Sometimes, taking thatfirst step is exactly what helps you begin believing in yourself and your ability to create the change you always knew you had inside.

Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!