800 - Lack of Confidence?

In this episode I talk about something I’ve seen a lot lately. People tell me they want to move forward. They want to start the thing, launch the idea, reach out to the person, publish the content, say yes to the opportunity.

But they’re stuck because the unknowns feel too big and the confidence simply isn’t there.

The problem is that confidence doesn’t show up at the beginning.

Confidence is the reward for taking action.

It only comes after you’ve stepped into something new, realized your worst fears didn’t come true, and built enough real experience to trust yourself in that environment.

Even after all these years, I still feel that tension when I’m introduced to someone new. Especially when their online presence is polished, impressive, and perfectly curated.

My old patterns pop up.

Who am I to talk with this person? Will I bring value? Will I land with their audience?

There are three important words that I share in this episode: Courage, Confidence, and Curiosity.

Courage. The willingness to say yes even when the outcome is unknown.

If I am courageous enough to take the step, then something interesting happens. My worst fears usually don’t come true. I learn something. I grow. And over time, with enough reps, I develop confidence.

But the confidence never comes first.

Recently, though, I’ve added a third ingredient. And it has been the biggest shift of all.

Curiosity.

Curiosity dissolves fear.

It lets me walk into a new room without the burden of needing anything to happen.

Instead of pressure, I enter with wonder.

Why was this introduction made?

What could come from this connection?

What can I learn from this person?

How might I serve?

Is there resonance here?

And if not, what clarity does that give me?

Curiosity brings me back to presence.

It clears the anxiety that shows up the day before a call, or the hour before it starts, or the five minutes before we go live.

Curiosity lets me move forward without being attached to any particular outcome. I don’t have to prove myself. I don’t have to impress. I simply get to explore what is possible.

In this episode I break down how these three ingredients work together.

Courage gets you moving.

Curiosity keeps you grounded.

Confidence grows from experience and repetition.

If you have an area in your life where you’ve been waiting for confidence before you take action, my hope is that this conversation frees you from that waiting.

You won’t feel confident before you begin.

You’ll feel confident because you began.

I’d love to hear what this brings up for you.

You can email me at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com.

Let’s Work Together:

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If you want direct support, clarity on your next steps, and momentum heading into the new year, reach out and put “Coaching Offer” in the subject line.