Don’t Wait for Confidence, Build It with Courage
Confidence is often seen as the key to success. Many of us believe we need to feel confident before we can speak up, take the leap, or make a change. Here’s what I’ve learned: confidence doesn’t come first. Courage does.
Confidence Is Built After the Leap
Confidence is built after the yes (or the no), the shaky hands, and the unsure beginnings. It’s the result of doing the thing, sometimes imperfectly, but doing it anyway.
Think about your first time learning how to drive or ride a bike. At first, it felt awkward, overwhelming, maybe even terrifying. But with practice, it became second nature. The confidence came after taking action, and building up the courage to do it in the first place.
Courage Helps You Start Before You Feel Ready
Courage is what helps you say no when you really mean no. It’s what helps you do this thing that scares you, but that you believe in. It’s what helps you trust yourself, even when you don’t know how things will turn out.
Every time you choose courage, you build self-trust. And that’s the foundation for real, grounded confidence.
In simple terms: Courage > Action > Confidence
Ready To Begin?
Next time you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not sure I can do this…” pause, and ask yourself:
👉 What would I do if I trusted myself, even just a little?
👉 What bold move could I make today that I’d feel proud of?
Start there. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just enough courage to begin.
And remember: confidence will meet you on the other side of courage.