When it comes to confidence, there’s a common misconception that it’s something you either have or don’t have.
But in my years of life coaching, especially with women who have often felt out of place or struggled to trust in their own path, I’ve come to believe this simply isn’t true.
Confidence is not a trait we’re born with; it’s a skill we can build, nurture, and magnify over time.
So, what does it mean to treat confidence as a skill? Here’s what I believe:
1. Confidence is Grounded in Self-Belief
Confidence is trusting in your own abilities, your choices, and your worth. It’s not about seeking validation or approval from anyone else. Instead, it’s about feeling solid in who you are and knowing that your journey, no matter how different it may look, is valuable.
2. Practicing Confidence
Like any skill, confidence requires practice. Each time we step out of our comfort zone, make a decision based on our own values, or choose not to compare ourselves to others, we’re strengthening this skill. Each of these small moments adds up, helping us feel more capable and sure of ourselves over time.
3. Embracing Your Unique Path
Confidence means letting go of the need to fit a particular mould or blend in. It’s about valuing what makes you you—even if that means taking a different path. Every woman has her own unique journey, and as Maya Angelou so beautifully put it, we’re here not just to survive, but to thrive.
4. Building a Foundation of Self-Worth
At the heart of confidence is self-worth. A strong sense of self-worth allows us to make bold decisions, trust our own instincts, and live life fully, even when we feel a bit out of place. It’s knowing that we don’t need to shrink ourselves to fit in.
So, is confidence a skill?
Yes, absolutely!
Confidence can be strengthened, practiced, and nurtured, just like any other skill. And the beauty of building this skill is that each step forward—no matter how small—leads to greater fulfillment and self-belief.