Why Confidence Is the Key to Your Next Chapter

Confidence is often seen as a quality that some people are simply born with. But in reality, confidence is built—it is shaped by our experiences, choices, and willingness to take action before we feel fully ready. Many ambitious, accomplished women reach a stage where they feel a pull toward something more—more impact, more purpose, more alignment. Yet, something holds them back. Not because they lack experience or ability, but because they feel they need to be more "ready" before taking the next step.

If you’ve ever hesitated to apply for a leadership role, raise your prices, change career paths, or launch a business because you weren’t 100% sure you were ready, you are not alone. The truth is, procrastinating until you feel fully prepared will keep you stuck in the same place. The shift from hesitation to confidence is what allows you to step into your next level.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore why confidence is not a prerequisite but a result of action, how to reframe self-doubt, and the strategies successful women use to move forward, even when they don’t feel completely ready.

The Myth of Readiness – Why Waiting Holds You Back

Many high-achieving women have been conditioned to believe that they need to tick every box before they can take a leap. Studies have shown that men are more likely to apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women tend to wait until they meet nearly 100%. This mindset doesn’t just apply to job applications—it shows up in business, pricing, leadership decisions, and every major transition.

This need to feel fully prepared often leads to:

- Over-researching instead of taking action

- Waiting for external validation or permission

- Staying in situations that no longer feel fulfilling

- Watching others take opportunities they felt they weren’t ready for

The reality is, confidence does not come before action—it comes because of action. The women who create extraordinary careers and businesses are not the ones who always feel ready; they are the ones who move forward despite uncertainty.

Reframing Self-Doubt: From "Am I Ready?" to "Why Not Me?"

Self-doubt is not a sign that you are unqualified—it’s a natural response to stepping outside of your comfort zone. The key is not eliminating doubt but shifting how you respond to it.

Ask yourself:

- What would I do if I trusted myself completely?

- If I saw someone else with my skills, would I tell them they weren’t ready?

- What is the worst that could happen if I tried—and what is the best?

By reframing self-doubt as a normal part of growth rather than a reason to hold back, you begin to build confidence in real time.

The Confidence Shift: How to Take Action Before You Feel Ready

1. Say Yes Before You Feel Fully Prepared

 Some of the most successful women built their careers by saying yes before they had all the answers. They trusted their ability to figure it out along the way. Instead of procrastinating for confidence, start by committing to the opportunity, then allow yourself to grow into it.

2. Take Small but Bold Steps

 Confidence is built through evidence. When you take small, intentional steps toward your goals—whether that’s speaking up in a meeting, launching an offer, or putting yourself forward for a leadership role—you collect proof that you are capable.

3. Borrow Confidence Until You Have Your Own

 If you struggle to see your own potential, borrow confidence from others. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a community that reflects back your strengths and pushes you to step into the version of yourself they already see.

4. Detach Confidence from Perfection

 Many women mistake perfectionism for preparation. The belief that everything must be flawless before moving forward creates an impossible standard. Confidence is not about getting it right every time—it’s about being willing to show up and refine as you go.

5. Visualise the Future Version of You

 Instead of focusing on your current doubts, ask yourself: What would the future, confident version of me do today? When you make decisions from where you want to be rather than where you are now, you accelerate your growth.

Lessons from Women Who Took the Leap

Confidence-building is not theoretical—it is something we see in action every day. Some of the most successful women in history took action before they had everything figured out. 

- Sara Blakely created Spanx with no prior experience in the fashion industry, relying on resourcefulness over certainty.

- Shonda Rhimes overcame self-doubt and fear of public speaking to become one of the most powerful women in television, shaping cultural narratives.

- Diane von Fürstenberg built a fashion empire with no formal business training, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to global success.

None of these women procrastinated until they felt completely ready. Instead, they built their confidence along the way.

Confidence in Business & Career – Taking Your Next Step

Whether you are building a business, transitioning into a leadership role, or redefining what success looks like for you, confidence is the key to moving forward. Here’s how you can apply this today:

- Raise your prices and own your worth – Stop undercharging and start valuing your experience.

- Apply for that opportunity – You don’t need to be 100% ready; you need to start.

- Speak up and take space – Whether in meetings, social media, or networking, let yourself be seen.

- Say yes, then figure it out – Most successful people are still learning as they go. You can too.

Final Thoughts: Your Confidence Shift Starts Today

Confidence isn’t a trait you either have or don’t have—it’s a skill you build. The more you practice taking action before you feel fully ready, the stronger your confidence becomes.

What is one thing you’ve been hesitating on because you felt you weren’t ready? Let’s talk about it in the comments. And if you want to be surrounded by women who are stepping into their next level with confidence and clarity, make sure to subscribe to Flourish & Lead and explore our community.

Your next chapter is waiting. The only question is—will you take the first step?