Faith in Yourself

Confidence is one of the most important traits of a strong leader. The best leaders project calm assurance to their teams, even in the hardest moments. When I was new to leadership, I wanted that same kind of confidence, but I didn’t know how to build it. I eventually realized it started with having faith in myself, my abilities, and my own record of getting things done.

At first, I had to fake it.

That might sound counterintuitive, but pretending to be confident is often the first step toward actually feeling that way. Inside, I still questioned my choices. Outwardly, I worked to stay composed. Whether it was a critical incident, a tough decision, or a hard conversation, I tried to act like the leaders I respected.

Over time, something shifted. The more I practiced confidence, the more real it became. I wasn’t second-guessing myself as much. Experience and steady composure began reinforcing each other, and with that came genuine confidence.

A big part of that growth came from changing how I talked to myself. When I made mistakes, I stopped beating myself up. Instead, I focused on what I could learn and moved on. That mindset freed up energy that I used to waste on self-doubt.

Another turning point was realizing that confident leaders never stop learning. Early on, I thought confidence meant having all the answers. I later learned it comes from curiosity. There’s real strength in asking questions, seeking mentors, and learning from people who know more than you in certain areas.

I started reading leadership books, listening to podcasts, and watching how experienced leaders handled pressure. I paid attention to how they spoke to their teams, made decisions, and carried themselves when things got tough. Confidence grows when you add knowledge and perspective.

And nothing builds confidence faster than competence. When you know your job inside and out, you naturally project credibility. Take the time to understand every part of your role—your people, your policies, and your procedures. The better prepared you are, the less you’ll need to “fake it,” because your confidence will come from skill and experience.

When you truly know your craft, you can stay calm when others panic.

Confidence isn’t a finish line. It’s something you build and maintain. Every challenge, mistake, and success adds another layer. Keep showing up. Keep learning. And keep believing that you’re capable of growing into the leader you’re meant to be.