How To Cultivate Self-Confidence When You’re A Beginner

So, you’ve courageously decided to start something new. Something that makes you come alive, sparks your passion, overwhelms your heart with gratitude, and serves as a natural alarm clock because you just can’t wait to dive in each morning.

This bliss bubble seems limitless in its expansion. That is until you take your idea off paper into reality by putting yourself out there. Suddenly it seems like that bubble is floating further and further away in the wind of chaotic beginnings. Comparisonitis sets in as you discover more seasoned professionals in your industry, you feel defeated when you’re not gaining the instant traction you thought you would be, and close friends are starting to question your sanity altogether (in love, of course!). Before you know it, that delicate bubble has not only floated away but completely POPPED.

“Are they right?” you begin to wonder. You were so sure this was it, this was the BIG dream. And now, you’re left all-consumed in doubt, fear, and lack.

Ahh yes, welcome to the initiation stage of the beginner. The good news? You have everything inside of you to overcome this tumultuous, awkward stage and reach the next level. In fact, it can serve as one of your greatest foundations if you embrace the journey instead of battling it.

So what’s the antidote? SELF-CONFIDENCE. And here’s a few tips on how to create a strong sense of it.

1. Tap into your why power. Remember back before that bubble popped how assured you were? The sensations you felt when you merely just thought about your passion project? Let’s go back there.

This is where your source of power is. It’s called the “why power”. In moments of doubt, come back here. This will instantly remind you of the importance of pursuing this passion project of yours. It will serve as your own personal set of noise-canceling headphones. When you lock yourself into the why, it’s almost impossible to “just let it go.” And on that note, it’ll keep you going even when you can’t yet see the “hows.” In this space, you can better serve others. There’s a driving force inside you that’s much more powerful than you realize and it all starts with the why.

2. Embrace the ego. The ego gets a bad rap but the truth is the ego can actually be a powerful motivator when kept in check. The feelings of doubt, fear, and lack all come from an unhealthy relationship with the ego. Simply because it means you’ve handed all your power to a source outside of yourself and your truth. It puts you into a state of dependency for approval and validation….when there’s no need to. Only you can carry out this passion in your heart the way it’s meant to be carried out in this world. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Yes, it’s important to have goals; however, be careful to assess regularly if they are truly self-generated goals or just outside expectations. You’ll know the difference by how they feel on an intuitive level…one will light you up, the other will weigh you down.

3. Establish your core values. A sure way to get rocked is by having an unstable sense of your core values, as this is your essence– your sense of self. What do you believe in? What’s important for you to uphold? How do you want to carry yourself in expression of your values? When you go deep into this self-discovery, you will find it harder to be triggered by outside opinions or swayed in directions that aren’t in alignment with your vision. Your core values will become an internal compass leading you towards aligned people, places, and opportunities.

4. Don’t fear the road less traveled. If you’re creating something big and bold in the world, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Like most trail-blazers there will be moments of having to take a stand alone in the pursuit of a vision only you can see. Use it. This will be a catalyst on your road to greatness, although it won’t feel like it at first. Tapping into the previous tips will help you stand strong during these shaky times.

5. Elevate your magnetism. Ever seen a woman enter the room and everyone’s gaze immediately centers on her? It’s an unspoken confidence. She walks in grace, strength, and exudes electric levels of magnetism. Some call this the Marilyn Effect noted by Amy Greene, the wife of Monroe’s personal photographer. She describes the origination of the effect like this:

“I’ll never forget the day Marilyn and I were walking around New York City, just having a stroll on a nice day. She loved New York because no one bothered her there like they did in Hollywood, she could put on her plain-Jane clothes and no one would notice her. She loved that. So, as we're walking down Broadway, she turns to me and says, ‘Do you want to see me become her?’ I didn’t know what she meant but I just said ‘Yes’ — and then I saw it. I don’t know how to explain what she did because it was so very subtle, but she turned something on within herself that was almost like magic. And suddenly cars were slowing, and people were turning their heads and stopping to stare. They were recognizing that this was Marilyn Monroe as if she pulled off a mask or something, even though a second ago nobody noticed her. I had never seen anything like it before.”

We all have this magic in us if we choose to use it. It comes from an energetic state of unapologetic happiness, confidence, and zest for life.

Closing Thoughts

While there is no rulebook to self-confidence, these tips are the perfect place to start embodying yours. As humans we tend to gravitate towards all our fears rather than all our joys (ever fixated on one negative comment amidst a sea of compliments? Exactly.). When we unleash ourselves from this self-inflicted heaviness, we give our confidence the opportunity to shine brighter, to be seen, and to strengthen its innate power. It’s a beautiful thing that simultaneously empowers others to do the same. Don’t let anyone or anything convince you otherwise. You’re destined for bliss!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CHRISTI PRATTE

Christi is a luxury brand copywriter, freelance ghostwriter, and magazine contributor. She’s the founder of HustlePretty.Co, a digital empire centered around empowering women in their careers and passions, as well as Ghost Girl, a writing service dedicated to women-owned brands and businesses. Her work can be found on leading women’s success platforms including Women on Topp, So She Slays, and Female Boss Club, among many others. Christi loves watching women reclaim their power and rise up into their fullest potential, all while leading the way for the next woman.