How to Build Unshakable Confidence

Summary: This note summarizes key insights on building unshakable confidence. It emphasizes that confidence is an output, not an input, and is built through action, tracking progress, and embracing discomfort. It also provides practical strategies like breaking down tasks into smaller steps and tolerating fear instead of trying to eliminate it.

Highlights:

Confidence is an output, not an input: It's built through action, not affirmations.
Track your wins: Data, not dopamine, fuels confidence. Tracking progress provides objective evidence of your growth.
Tiny tweaks: Break down large goals into small, manageable steps to build momentum and avoid overwhelm.
Embrace discomfort: Fear is natural. Don't try to eliminate it; take action despite it. Emotion follows motion.

Detailed Notes:

The Myth of "Believing in Yourself": Simply believing in yourself or using affirmations isn't enough to build confidence. Confidence comes from taking action, especially when you don't feel like it. It's about keeping the promises you make to yourself.

Action Builds Confidence: An example is shared about moving across the country with no job, money, or confidence. By creating a plan, taking action, and pushing through fear and imposter syndrome, confidence was built through the process of learning and succeeding in sales.

Success Doesn't Discriminate: Confidence isn't about background or experience. It's about putting in the work. You build confidence by doing the work you haven't done yet.

The Brain Gathers Evidence: Our brain needs evidence to build confidence. This evidence comes from taking action and seeing positive results.

Confidence is a Muscle: Like any muscle, confidence needs to be worked out consistently. If you don't use it, you lose it.

Track the Truth, Not Your Mood: Tracking progress helps override negative self-talk. Objective data shows you the reality of your progress, even when you don't feel like you're making any.

Start Small, Build Momentum: Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with something so small that you can't fail. This creates a sense of accomplishment and builds the confidence to take on bigger challenges. Examples include making your bed every day or running a small portion of a meeting.

Emotion Follows Motion: Don't wait to feel confident before taking action. Take action, and your emotions will follow. Tolerate fear and discomfort instead of trying to eliminate them.

Fear is Normal: Fear is a natural response to new challenges. It doesn't mean you're not capable. Accept the fear, take action anyway, and the fear will eventually subside.

Visualize and Embrace Fear: Imagine taking your fear with you, like a friend in your purse. Acknowledge its presence, but don't let it stop you from taking action.

Confidence is the First Step: Building confidence is essential for achieving anything you want in life. By following these strategies, you can build unshakable confidence and achieve your goals.