We often talk about confidence as though it needs to come first.
Once I'm confident, I'll speak up. Once I'm confident, I'll apply. Once I'm confident, I'll try.
But I'm not sure confidence always works that way.
Think about a receipt. You don't get the receipt before the transaction. You get it afterwards.
Confidence can be a little like that.
You asked the question even though you felt awkward. You tried something you weren't sure you'd be good at. You handled something that didn't go as planned.
Each time, you collect a little more evidence about yourself.
“I've done something difficult before.”
So if you're waiting to feel confident enough to begin, perhaps change the question.
Don't ask: “How do I become more confident?”
Ask: “What's one small thing I can do that will give me some evidence?”
The confidence may come afterwards.