Hello my friend,
Do you often wait until you feel ready?
Until you feel confident?
Until everything feels right?
I think a lot about confidence and how it influences us across everything we do - or indeed don’t.
Confidence isn't as we've been taught. Or indeed what we may still think.
We are told we’re either confident or we are not.
That we should only pursue what we are already talented at or have confidence doing.
This could have some relevance and value but in general it’s bad advice.
It often results in a benchmark and a belief about who we are and what we should do.
The truth is very different.
Confidence is like a muscle.
It builds through reps and it grows over time.
It is accessible to all of us.
Through stretching ourselves.
Through challenge and discomfort.
Because we aren't yet feeling confident in an area doesn't mean it has to stay that way.
Similar to motivation confidence grows as we take action.
Alongside the ability to perform the given skill.
The more we put ourselves into new situations.
The more we stray from the comfort zone.
The more we practice the given thing.
The more we are willing to make mistakes.
The more our confidence grows.
In absolutely any area we choose.
Step by step action and repeat.
Some of the best athletes, speakers, and entrepreneurs started without feeling confident.
But over time through constant action despite not feeling ready, good enough or anywhere near certain, their confidence grew.
As they provided themselves with more & more evidence through repeated steps it went from strength to strength.
If you feel you're lacking confidence in an area of your life you needn’t fear.
You can completely change that.
By starting small, doing reps, enjoying the process and becoming consistent.
Confidence will follow.
Things I’m learning
The altitude of planes.
In aviation, planes often follow specific altitude guidelines based on direction
Eastbound flights typically fly at odd-numbered altitudes like 31,000, 33,000, 35,000 feet.
Westbound flights typically fly at even-numbered altitudes like 30,000, 32,000, 34,000 feet
This helps reduce collision risks and maintains safe separation between aircraft flying in opposite directions. - Chris Williamson
Making your own luck.
“Remember, if you never do anything differently, you’ll reduce your chances of enjoying lucky accidents.” - Rory Sutherland
Wants vs haves.
“The first rule of happiness is low expectations.” - Morgan Housel
Question
What is one skill you could sharpen to bring you greater success?
Life Hack
A cold shower before anything else when you wake up. Energy shifter.
That’s all for this week, thank you for reading.
Until next time.
With love, Nick x