Confidence is something many people aspire to have, but it can feel elusive or difficult to build, especially when we face self-doubt or fear. The good news is that confidence isn’t something you’re born with or without—it’s something you can develop, strengthen, and grow over time. Think of confidence as a muscle: the more you work on it, the stronger it becomes. Here’s a simple, step-by-step formula to help you build self-belief every day and begin to radiate the confidence you desire.

Step 1: Practice Small Acts of Bravery
Confidence is built through action. Each time you do something outside your comfort zone, even in small ways, you reinforce the belief that you are capable of overcoming fear and self-doubt. This doesn’t mean you need to make massive leaps every day—small acts of bravery add up over time.
Try This: Each day, challenge yourself to do one thing that makes you slightly uncomfortable. This could be speaking up in a meeting, starting a conversation with someone new, or sharing an idea you’ve been holding back. The goal is to build momentum by taking small, manageable steps outside your comfort zone.

Step 2: Reframe Negative Thoughts
Self-doubt and negative thinking are some of the biggest obstacles to confidence. These limiting beliefs often whisper things like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never be able to do that.” One of the most powerful ways to build confidence is to become aware of these thoughts and consciously reframe them.
Try This: When you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, pause and ask yourself, “Is this really true?” More often than not, your fears and doubts are based on assumptions, not facts. Replace the negative thought with something more empowering, like, “I am capable of learning and improving,” or “I’ve faced challenges before, and I can do it again.”

Step 3: Celebrate Your Wins—Big and Small
Building confidence requires recognizing your own successes, no matter how small they may seem. Often, we’re so focused on what we haven’t accomplished that we forget to acknowledge the progress we’ve already made. By celebrating your wins, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable of achieving even more.
Try This: Keep a “Wins Journal.” At the end of each day, write down one thing you accomplished or are proud of, even if it feels minor. Did you complete a task you’d been avoiding? Did you step up and offer help to someone? Over time, these small wins will accumulate and give you a tangible reminder of your growth.

Step 4: Surround Yourself with Positive Influence
The people you spend time with can have a profound impact on your confidence. If you’re surrounded by individuals who doubt your abilities or reinforce your insecurities, it will be difficult to build self-belief. On the other hand, being around supportive, encouraging people can help you see your strengths and potential more clearly.
Try This: Evaluate your inner circle. Who are the people who lift you up, support your dreams, and believe in you even when you struggle to believe in yourself? Spend more time with those people. Conversely, try to limit time with individuals who drain your energy or feed your self-doubt.

Step 5: Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help shift your mindset toward confidence. When you visualize yourself succeeding in a particular situation—whether it’s delivering a speech, acing an interview, or having a difficult conversation—you train your brain to see success as a possibility.
Try This: Take 5 minutes each day to sit quietly, close your eyes, and vividly imagine yourself succeeding in an upcoming challenge. Picture the details: what you’re wearing, how you’re feeling, the confidence in your voice. The more real you can make the visualization, the more your brain will begin to believe that success is within reach.

Step 6: Embrace Failure as Part of Growth
One of the biggest confidence killers is the fear of failure. But the truth is, failure is a natural part of the learning process and should be embraced, not feared. Every time you try something and it doesn’t go as planned, you gain valuable insights that bring you one step closer to success.
Try This: Reframe your relationship with failure. Instead of viewing it as a setback, see it as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” and “How can I improve next time?” The more comfortable you become with failure, the less power it holds over you.

Step 7: Practice Self-Compassion
Confidence doesn’t mean you’ll never feel doubt or uncertainty. There will be days when you feel off or when things don’t go as planned. During those times, it’s important to be kind to yourself instead of being overly critical. Practicing self-compassion allows you to acknowledge your imperfections without letting them undermine your belief in yourself.
Try This: When you experience a setback or catch yourself being self-critical, pause and ask, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?” Chances are, you’d offer understanding and encouragement. Give yourself the same grace and remind yourself that growth is a journey, not a race.

The Confidence Formula in Action
Building confidence is not about making huge leaps overnight. It’s about committing to small, daily actions that strengthen your self-belief over time. By practicing bravery, reframing negative thoughts, celebrating your wins, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you’ll find that confidence is something you can cultivate and grow, one step at a time.

Remember: confidence is not the absence of doubt, but the willingness to take action despite it. You have the power to build the confidence you need to show up fully and shine in every area of your life.

Start putting the Confidence Formula into practice today, and watch how these simple steps transform the way you see yourself and the way you show up in the world. Your belief in yourself is your greatest asset—nurture it daily.