We often think confidence is something you're born with—you either have it or you don't. Performance psychology paints a different picture: Confidence is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice.
The Confidence Competence Loop
Psychologists describe a loop where competence builds confidence, and confidence fuels further competence. But how do you start if you have neither?
Self-Affirmation Theory (Steele, 1988) suggests that when we feel threatened (e.g., by a challenge or failure), affirming our core values can restore our sense of self-integrity.
Why "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Has Merit
There is scientific backing to the idea of "acting as if."
- Embodied Cognition: Research shows that your body language and words influence your brain state. Standing tall and speaking confidently (even to yourself) lowers cortisol (stress hormone) and raises testosterone (dominance/confidence hormone).
Structuring Confidence Affirmations
To build genuine mastery, your affirmations should focus on growth and effort, not just fixed traits.
1. Focus on the Process
- Weak: "I am the best." (Fragile, easily broken by failure).
- Strong: "I am dedicated to improving every single day." (Resilient, failure is just data).
2. Anchor to Past Success
- Affirmation: "I succeeded in [Project X], and I bring that same capability to this new challenge."
3. Present Tense Ownership
- Affirmation: "I am a leader who listens and decides with clarity."
The Practice Routine
- Morning Priming: Start the day by reminding yourself of your strengths.
- Pre-Event Boost: Before a meeting or event, repeat your "power phrase."
- Post-Event Reflection: If things went wrong, affirm your ability to learn. "I am learning from this mistake."
Confidence is not the absence of fear. It is the belief that you can act despite the fear. Affirmations help you build that belief, one repetition at a time.
