How to Build and Sustain Confidence
As the new year begins, I’ve been reflecting on how much my mental state affects everything I do. We all know it’s important, but it’s hard to pin down exactly how or why.
Take momentum, for instance. A single win—a small victory—seems to make the next step easier, and success starts to compound. One win leads to another, and soon, you’re on a roll.
But here’s the question: is momentum the byproduct of confidence? Or is confidence the byproduct of momentum?
It’s hard to say for sure. Confidence is slippery like that.
Where does it come from? Do we know the exact moment it clicks into place? And how much does it really matter? Can a lack of confidence completely derail your efforts, or will your skills shine through regardless?
What I do know is this: confidence isn’t something you can just flip on like a light switch.
Yet, that’s what we’re told to do, isn’t it? “Be confident!” they say. As if it’s that simple.
It’s not.
Confidence doesn’t appear out of nowhere, and it certainly doesn’t stick around unless you earn it.
But to earn it, you have to take action. And to take action, you need just enough confidence to get started.
So, how do you break that cycle?
You have to look elsewhere—away from confidence itself.
Forget about how you feel. Forget about whether you’re ready.
Crowd the space in your mind with focus, diligence, and work. When you focus intently on the action in front of you, there’s no room left for fear or doubt.
That focus, that relentless attention to what needs to be done, makes you take the right steps. And if you misstep? You’re so locked in that you’ll notice and adjust immediately.
For me, that’s where confidence begins—not in some magical moment of belief, but in the clarity that comes from doing the work.
When I let go of trying to feel confident and instead focus on what I can control, I start stacking small wins.
Those wins spark momentum, and that momentum fuels my confidence. The two feed off each other, creating a cycle where each reinforces the other.
But here’s the part most people miss: confidence can’t sustain itself.
Once you have it, you have to ride the wave without forgetting what got you there.
Confidence doesn’t replace the work—it amplifies it.
When confidence arrives, use it. Lean into the clarity, the calm, the adaptability it brings. But don’t let it make you complacent. Keep doing the things that built your momentum in the first place.
For me, that’s the roadmap:
Start by focusing on the actions you can control, not on how confident you feel.
Stack small wins to build momentum.
Let momentum spark confidence, and let confidence amplify your efforts.
Confidence isn’t the starting point—it’s the reward. And if you stay focused on the work, that reward has a way of showing up, again and again.
That’s how you build it. That’s how you sustain it.
1. Start Small, Focus Big
Action: Choose one task or goal you can complete today. Keep it small but meaningful.
Why: Small wins create the momentum needed for bigger challenges.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’ll write the entire report,” focus on completing the first section.
2. Crowd Out Doubt with Action
Action: Set a timer for 30 minutes and work on your task with full focus. Avoid distractions and stay present.
Why: Intense focus leaves no room for fear or hesitation.
Example: If self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself, I’m here to act, not to overthink.
3. Reflect and Adjust
Action: At the end of each day, write down one thing you did well and one thing you can improve tomorrow.
Why: Acknowledging wins builds confidence, while reflection ensures continuous progress.
Example: “I gave my best effort in the presentation, but I’ll refine my delivery next time.”
4. Leverage Momentum
Action: Once you’ve achieved a small win, immediately tackle the next step. Keep the energy going.
Why: Momentum fuels confidence, creating a cycle of success.
Example: If you finished a task, don’t stop there—start planning the next one while you’re still riding that high.
5. Stay Grounded in What Got You Here
Action: Regularly revisit the habits and actions that helped you achieve success.
Why: Confidence can lead to complacency. Staying grounded keeps you consistent.
Example: If daily planning helped you stay on track, don’t abandon it once you’re succeeding.
6. Control What You Can
Action: List three actions within your control for each goal and focus only on those.
Why: Confidence grows when you concentrate on things you can influence.
Example: Instead of worrying about how your work will be received, focus on delivering your best effort.
7. Celebrate and Repeat
Action: Acknowledge every win, no matter how small, and use it as fuel to keep going.
Why: Recognition reinforces progress and makes confidence a habit.
Example: Take a moment to celebrate finishing a tough project before moving on to the next challenge.
Confidence isn’t about how you feel—it’s about what you do. Start small, stay focused, and let your actions pave the way. Repeat this process, and confidence will become your companion.
