The Confidence Myth

Have you ever held back from doing something because you didn’t feel confident enough?

I’ve had this conversation many times with business owners, leaders, and even with myself: the belief that we need to feel confident before we take that first step, that confidence is some kind of permission slip to begin.

But here’s the thing… is that really true?

It’s a brilliant debate and one I’d love your view on:

Is confidence something we have before we do something, or is it something we build by doing it?

The Case for Confidence First

Some will argue that confidence is the spark that gets us started.

Believing in ourselves, using positive self-talk, preparing, and even visualising can give us the push we need to act.

Athletes often discuss the importance of mindset. Speakers rehearse their talks repeatedly to strengthen their beliefs. Leaders prepare thoroughly before stepping into a new role. All these things can help us feel ready.

And there’s truth in this—preparation matters. Belief helps. Visualising success can give us a sense of calm before we step into the unknown.

But is it the confidence that gets us there… or something else?

The Case for Confidence Built Through Doing

Here’s where I lean in this debate, and I know many of you might feel the same.

Confidence often isn’t what gets us started. Courage is.

The willingness to feel uncomfortable. To take the first step, even when the nerves kick in and the doubt creeps in.

Because absolute confidence, the kind that sticks, tends to grow through action. It’s built by showing up, learning, improving, and proving to ourselves that we can do the thing we once thought we couldn’t.

Think about the first time you spoke in front of an audience, had a difficult conversation, launched a new product, or stepped into leadership. Did you feel confident before? Or did that confidence come after you’d done it, reflected, and realised, “Actually, I handled that pretty well”?

It reminds me of a simple but powerful thought I once heard:

“Courage comes first. Confidence comes later.”

Why This Matters

One of the biggest blockers I see in people’s journeys, whether they’re new entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, or seasoned business owners, is waiting.

Waiting to feel ready. Waiting to feel confident.

But what if waiting isn’t the answer?

What if the fundamental shift happens when we ask ourselves:

“What would I do if I didn’t need to feel confident first?”

“What if courage was enough to get me started?”

It’s in the doing that we build skill. It’s in the doing that we build belief. And over time, that belief turns into confidence that doesn’t wobble at the first sign of challenge.

Over to You…

I’d love to know your thoughts on this one.

Have there been times when you waited for confidence before acting?

Or moments where you jumped in with courage, and found that confidence caught up with you along the way?

Drop me a comment or share your own experience.

And if you’re a business owner or leader holding back because you’re waiting to feel ready, why not take that first step today? I offer a FREE 30-minute discovery call. It’s an opportunity to explore where you are now, where you want to be, and how I can support your journey.

Click here to book your discovery call.

Until next time, keep exploring.

Have a brilliant week!

Dave Rogers – The Business Explorer