“I’ve known you for a very long time and I’ve learned never to be shocked by anything you decide to do because you always know what you’re doing before you do it.” A dear ami said to me during a recent phone call.

“Ma chérie, you don’t know me as much as you think you do because I rarely know what I’m doing, I just trust myself to know I’ll figure it out, eventually,” I replied while laughing.

Bonjour mes amies! Confidence is often mistaken for certainty. So many assume that being confident means having all the answers, never second-guessing yourself, and always knowing the right path to take. I’ve yet to make a decision in my life that I was 100% certain that it would work out or that I would 100% “succeed”. Real confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about believing in your ability to learn, adapt, and figure things out as you go.

Real confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about believing in your ability to learn, adapt, and figure things out as you go.

I tell myself I don’t like speaking for/on others but I do that often (here) because, after all, this is my safe space. I can almost assure you that when you think about the most “successful” (I use this term loosely because my definition of success has changed drastically) people you admire, they did NOT start with all of the answers and knowing fully that they were on the right path. They faced obstacles, encountered unfamiliar situations, and made mistakes. But instead of letting uncertainty paralyze them, they trusted themselves to navigate the unknown.

Confidence Comes from Trusting Yourself

True confidence is built on the understanding that no matter what challenge arises, you have the resourcefulness, resilience, and determination to find a way forward. It’s not about having a perfect plan; it’s about trusting yourself to adapt when things don’t go as planned.

Here are some strategies I’ve used to build confidence over the years.

1. Shifting My Mindset from “I Don’t Know” to “I’ll Figure It Out”

When faced with something unfamiliar, I don’t shut down or assume I’m not capable. Instead, I remind myself that every expert was once a beginner. I embrace a growth mindset—one that sees challenges as opportunities to learn, not as proof of inadequacy.

2. I Take Action, Even When I’m Unsure

Confidence is a muscle and it only grows through action, not just thinking. I don’t need to know everything before I start; I just need to take the next small step. Each step forward reinforces my ability to navigate the unknown.

3. I Embrace “Failure” as Part of the Process

I shared via a live news segment (click here to watch) that fear of failure holds so many people back. I know firsthand that failure isn’t the opposite of winning. Every mistake teaches me something valuable and moves me closer to (my definition of) success. The key is to see setbacks as stepping stones, not stop signs.

4. I Developed Problem-Solving Skills

Confidence thrives when I know I have the tools to find solutions. I’m constantly researching, I ask questions (while not fearing that it’s a “dumb question”), seek mentorship, and break problems down into manageable pieces. The more I practice solving problems, the more confident I feel in my ability to tackle whatever comes my way.

5. I Surround Myself with Supportive People

Confidence isn’t built in isolation. I share my time with people who encourage me, who believe in my potential, and remind me that I’m capable of growth.

Sometimes, having someone else believe in you helps you believe in yourself. I started an Accountability Group for that reason. I wanted and needed to be surrounded by people who would remind me of all of the good that could happen versus what could go wrong.

6. I Celebrate All of the Wins (and Even When I Don’t “Win”, I Celebrate.)

Confidence isn’t built overnight—it’s developed through consistent progress. I acknowledge and celebrate EVERY challenge I overcome, no matter how small.

If you’re struggling with depression and you got out of bed: CELEBRATE. If you typically struggle with making decisions and today you made one without hesitation? CELEBRATE! If speaking up for yourself tends to be difficult and today you decided not to be silent, CELEBRATE!

Every step forward is proof that you are capable, resilient, and resourceful.

The Power of Believing in Yourself

At its core, confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about believing that whatever happens, you have the ability to figure it out. When you shift your mindset from needing certainty to trusting your resourcefulness, you unlock a level of confidence that allows you to take risks, embrace challenges, and create the life you want.

You don’t need all the answers—you just need to believe in your ability to find them. That belief is the foundation of true confidence.

You don’t need all the answers—you just need to believe in your ability to find them.

If you are reading this, know with full confidence that I believe in you and your ability to figure out all of the things.

Ciao for now 💋