Confidence Building

The journey a coach undertakes with a client is often one of mutual discovery, where both benefit from the insights gained. Recently, I worked with a client struggling with a perceived lack of confidence, and this experience brought me back to familiar territory in exploring what underlies confidence. The questions that came to mind were: Why was my client experiencing this lack of confidence? What was its root cause? Let's start by defining the two key concepts involved.

Courage is the mental and emotional strength to face fear, danger, or difficulty, even when there is a possibility of failure or harm. It’s the willingness to act in the face of uncertainty, challenge, or discomfort. Courage doesn’t necessarily eliminate fear or doubt; rather, it compels us to act despite them, enabling growth and new experiences.

Confidence is a belief in one’s abilities, qualities, or judgment. It often arises from repeated positive experiences, the development of skills, and self-assurance in specific areas. Confidence empowers individuals to face challenges with security and poise, often because they have seen themselves succeed in similar situations before. Together, courage and confidence create a powerful dynamic: courage is the spark that lights the way, while confidence is the steady flame that grows from following that path repeatedly.

For my clients, I often recommend starting with small, courageous steps outside their comfort zones to build confidence in specific areas they choose. Repeating these steps over time inevitably leads to increased confidence. Where does fear fit into this picture? Fear can serve as a signpost, offering opportunities for growth rather than reasons to avoid or retreat. It’s important to acknowledge the real possibility of failure along the way.

Regardless of the outcome, the reward for stepping into discomfort is the learning experience. As we practice courage and repeat this process, our self-confidence and self-belief will continue to grow!