Confidence is Courage

Is confidence something you have, build, or wait for?

What is confidence?

In a recent interview with Stephen Colbert, comedian and actress Tiffany Hadish said this:

“I don’t think I have confidence. I think I am courageous.”

We often talk about confidence as an inherent trait. So-and-so has confidence or so-and-so doesn’t. 

We think we can’t do X because we’re not confident enough. 

So we put off giving that presentation, going on that trip, talking to that person, etc. until we feel “confident” enough.

That day never comes because who wakes up feeling insecure one day and confident the next?

I’m with Tiffany on this. I think confidence = courage.

You become confident by putting yourself out there and learning to trust yourself.

There is something called "The 5 C's," of branding, which is meant to serve as a guideline for how to build a personal brand that stands out. 

What these "5 C's" are depends on who you ask, but the version I like is this:

🟡 Clarity

🟡 Consistency

🟡 Content

🟡 Connection

🟡 Confidence

All of these take work, including confidence. 

If you want to develop confidence in talking about your business, challenge yourself to do one courageous activity/day.

Maybe that's getting into the habit of posting regularly on LinkedIn, doing that first podcast, shooting that first video, etc. 

Commit to being regularly courageous. 

You don’t wait for confidence; you build it. 

I'm confident about that.

P.S. What topics would you like me to cover in future Cringe Letters? Reply to this email and let me know.