Confidence Is the Reward, Not the Starting Point

Today, I wasn’t sure what to write. I’ve been off LinkedIn for a few weeks, thinking about how to make a comeback.

While on leave, I revisited the book I’m writing—a project inspired by this newsletter series. I’m only one-third of the way through, but as I read through all four chapters, I was unexpectedly blessed. It made me wonder: Could this help someone else too?

So today, instead of overthinking, I’ve decided to share an excerpt. I hope it speaks to you.

"I’ve learned that confidence isn’t a prior condition for something else to happen or exist. It’s the reward that comes from doing and not waiting. You don’t wake up one day suddenly feeling capable—you become capable by showing up, trying, failing, and trying again.

The theory of building confidence can be seen in the process of learning a new skill, like carpentry, for instance. The first time you pick up a saw, your hands might be unsteady. You might build your first piggy bank and notice that it’s far from perfect. Maybe the edges aren’t straight, and the lid doesn’t fit right. But your trainer nods in approval, “Not bad”. This might encourage you to build more. With time, your hands grow steadier, and your cuts become more precise. Before you know it, you’re crafting quality furniture.

Where did that confidence come from? Repetition.

Self-doubt feeds on inaction. When you haven’t done something before, your mind fills in the blanks with fear. But the more you do something, the more proof you gather that you can achieve a dream. That proof silences doubt. With each step, you gain experience. This experience builds competence; competence gives rise to confidence, and it is on the wheels of confidence that you develop courage. So, it’s like a loop.

Action → Competence: You try something new. It’s not straightforward, but you learn.

Competence → Confidence: You repeat it. Each time, you get better.

Confidence → Courage: You take bigger risks because you trust your ability to figure it out.

Trying something unfamiliar may feel uncomfortable, maybe even terrifying, at first. But as you keep going, that discomfort turns into familiarity, and soon enough, it becomes second nature. Constant practice is the hidden secret behind confidence.

Understanding this gives you an edge. It means self-doubt doesn’t have to define you. It’s simply a sign that you’re in the process of learning and growing. You have to keep moving and taking action so that proof replaces fear and silences hesitation. You need to be intentional with your growth."

I’ll be honest—sharing this felt vulnerable.

I wasn’t even sure what to write today. I’ve been off LinkedIn for a few weeks and wondering how to make a comeback. But reading through the four chapters I’ve written so far reminded me why I started this book in the first place—to help someone, maybe you, navigate the journey of impact and leadership with courage.

So, I hope this speaks to you.

If you’ve been struggling with self-doubt or waiting until you feel ready before taking the next step, let this be your reminder: Confidence is built in action, not before it.

Now, I want to hear from you.

Has there been a time when you took action despite self-doubt? How did it turn out? Hit reply or drop a comment—I’d love to hear your story.

Keep building,