How to Believe in Yourself

When I sign copies of my book, I usually write three words: always bet on yourself. People ask why I chose that line. It is because so many capable people are waiting for permission, from someone else or from their own confidence, to try the thing they know they could do.

Belief in yourself is not a personality trait some people are born with. It is built, and the way you build it is surprisingly practical.

Keep small promises to yourself

Every time you say you will do something and then do it, you build evidence that you can be trusted, by yourself. Start small: a walk, a call, ten minutes on a project. Over time, those kept promises add up to real belief. See How to Build Self-Discipline.

Look at your track record

Self-doubt has a short memory. Write down the hard things you have already gotten through: challenges at work, difficult seasons at home, skills you learned from scratch. Most people have done far more than they give themselves credit for.

Act before you feel confident

In my book I wrote that confidence is not usually something you find before action. It is something you develop because of action. If you wait to believe in yourself before you try, you may never try. Do it scared, and let the belief follow. See How to Build Confidence at Work.

Question the voice in your head

Fear convinces us to treat possibilities like certainties. When your inner voice says you cannot, ask whether that is a fact or a feeling. Usually it is a feeling, dressed up as a prediction. See Is It a Fact or a Feeling? and How to Train Your Inner Voice.

Borrow belief from others

Sometimes other people believe in you before you do. A teacher, a coach or a manager who sees something in you can change what you are willing to attempt. Spend time with those people, and take what they say seriously. See The Words You Forget, Your People Remember.

Celebrate progress

Notice the steps you take, not just the destination. Celebrating small wins reinforces the belief that you are someone who grows. You are bigger than what you can currently see.

Belief is at the heart of my signature keynote, You Are Capable of More. For the bigger picture, read Human Potential: A Complete Guide.