Building Your Confidence from the Inside Out, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores evidence-based approaches to building workplace confidence, defining it as a metacognitive process influenced by competence, preparation, experience, and social validation. The article presents practical strategies for cultivating genuine confidence, including setting stretch goals rather than pursuing perfection, developing expertise across multiple domains, using positive self-talk mantras, building supportive professional networks, prioritizing learning over immediate results, taking balanced responsibility for both successes and failures, and cultivating presence through positive body language and communication. Drawing from psychological research, the article frames confidence not as an innate trait but as a skill that can be systematically developed through consistent practice and intentional habits, ultimately enabling professionals to maximize their potential and influence in the workplace.

Episode Transcript

Building Your Confidence from the Inside Out Abstract (00:00):
This article explores evidence-based approaches to building workplace confidence,

(00:08):
defining it as a metacognitive process influenced by competence,
preparation,experience,and social validation.
The article presents practical strategies for cultivating genuine confidence,
including setting stretch goals rather than pursuing perfection,
developing expertise across multiple domains,using positive self-talk mantras,

(00:33):
building supportive professional networks,prioritizing learning over immediate results,
taking balanced responsibility for both successes and failures,
and cultivating presence through positive body language and communication.
Drawing from psychological research,the article frames confidence not as an innate trait but as a skill that can be systematically developed through consistent practice and intentional habits,

(01:00):
ultimately enabling professionals to maximize their potential and influence in the workplace.
As a leadership consultant and researcher,one of the most common challenges I see leaders and employees face is a lack of confidence in their abilities,
decisions,and influence at work.
While building confidence can seem daunting,it is achievable through intentional practices that strengthen self-perception from the inside out.

(01:27):
Today we will explore the research foundation for confidence while sharing practical strategies and examples for how you can cultivate greater confidence in your work.
Defining Confidence from a Research Perspective Before diving into strategies,
it's important to understand what confidence means from a psychological standpoint.

(01:48):
Researchers define confidence as a metacognitive process where an individual evaluates their beliefs about their abilities (Harzer & Ruch,
2014).
In other words,confidence depends on how you perceive and think about your talents,
skills,knowledge and potential to succeed or influence in a given situation.

Several key factors contribute to one's sense of confidence (02:10):
Competence - Having mastery over relevant skills,
competencies,and subject matter required for a task (Bandura,
1977).
Preparation - Investing time and effort to adequately research,

(02:30):
learn,plan and prepare before undertaking a challenge (Vancouver et al.
, 2002).
Previous experience - Drawing on past successes and failures to build self-assuredness and perspective over time (Eccles & Wigfield,
2002).
Social influence - Perceptions shaped by encouragement and validation from influential people like colleagues,

(02:56):
managers and mentors (Schunk & Pajares,2009).
With this research foundation in mind,the strategies below aim to strengthen these competence-building factors to unlock higher confidence over the long run.
Focus on Stretch Goals,Not Perfection One of the quickest ways to undermine your confidence is by focusing solely on perfection in your work.

(03:19):
When the bar is set unrealistically high, it's easy to feel like a failure at each small misstep.
Instead, challenge yourself with stretch goals that push you just beyond your comfort zone.
For instance,as a marketing manager of a tech startup,
set a yearly goal of presenting your strategies to the C-suite,

(03:40):
not just your direct reports.
This tests your communication skills without the pressure of immediate perfection (Locke & Latham,
2002).
Reflecting on how far you've come versus where you still want to grow helps reframe mistakes as learning versus failure.
It also fosters a growth mindset that confidence is built step-by-step over time with practice and experience (Dweck,

(04:07):
2006).
When missteps happen,which they will,focus on what you can improve next time rather than feelings of failure.
Over many successes striving for stretch goals, confidence will follow.
Develop Multiple Areas of Expertise Feeling confident requires more than competence in your core job duties;

(04:28):
it's strengthened by developing expertise in adjacent skills as well.
For instance,when I worked as a project manager for a major consultancy,
I made an effort to not just manage scope and budgets but also facilitate trainings and lead proposals to new clients.
These stretched my abilities and gave me additional competence areas to draw from in tough situations.

(04:52):
Likewise,choose one or two new skills each year to develop more deeply through training,
seminars,or self-study.
Ideas can include presentation delivery,coaching others,
data analysis,change management strategies,or networking.
Track your progress to stay motivated.

(05:13):
The research shows confidence increases as you acquire new skills beyond your job description (Lent et al.
, 2003).
Don't limit yourself to the minimum - maximize your potential through continuous skill-building.
Create Confidence-Boosting Mantras Our self-talk strongly influences how we feel,

(05:34):
so replace negative self-doubts with positive affirming mantras.
Research shows self-affirming messages can retrain your inner critic over time if said consciously each day (Cohen et al.
, 2009).

Some examples of confidence-boosting mantras (05:50):
I am capable and continue growing each day.
My best is enough and I give my best effort.
I learn from mistakes and use them to improve.
I am resilient and can handle whatever comes my way.
My value isn't defined by any one success or failure.

(06:11):
Say your mantras aloud when getting dressed,commuting,
or at quiet moments to internalize them unconsciously over weeks (Hall et al.
, 2018).
Post them where you'll see them daily.
Eventually positive self-talk will become a natural habit that bolsters you during self-doubt.

(06:31):
Focus on internal confidence driven by affirming self-perceptions.
Build Rapport and Trust with Your Network Confidence increases when you know people believe in your abilities.
Make meaningful connections inside and outside work by attending networking events,
industry conferences,alumni mixers,and continuing education courses.

(06:54):
Look for opportunities to help others versus just promote yourself.
Research shows we develop greater self-assurance when helping others versus focusing on personal gain alone (Grant & Gino,
2010).
Cultivate valuable mentor relationships by welcoming advice, guidance and feedback.

(07:15):
Make introductions happen effortlessly by praising others’ work genuinely.
Be first to support colleagues’ initiatives through promotion or participation.
Let your character shine through acts of service that build trusted relationships and referral sources over time (Kulp et al.
, 2016).

(07:35):
As peers and industry luminaries endorse your capabilities, self-assurance multiplies.
Put Learning Above Results Initially When taking on new responsibilities,
many worry excessively about performance outcomes rather than the learning process.
However,the research is clear - a focus on learning versus constant evaluation breeds confidence (Dweck,

(07:59):
2008;
Robins & Pals, 2002).
For your next opportunity, commit to an exploratory mindset.
Ask questions to understand fully rather than pretending you already know it all.
Permit mistakes as lessons instead of failures.
Meet with mentors regularly to optimize your approach rather than obsess over results.

(08:24):
After several months of dedicated practice and feedback sessions,
reflect on how much you've grown regardless of quantitative outcomes.
This reframing sees struggles as inevitable parts of acquiring new skills versus reason for self-doubt.
Outcomes will follow naturally as you focus first and foremost on developing mastery over time.

(08:47):
Own Your Setbacks and Successes Equally Many lack confidence because they refuse responsibility for failures yet rarely acknowledge their wins.
A balanced perspective owns both with equal humility.
When setbacks occur,avoid blaming external factors and instead analyze objectively what you can learn (Lucas & Buzzanell,

(09:08):
2004).
For example,as a technical services manager who missed a critical bug,
I took responsibility for not allocating enough testing time rather than blaming developers.
Similarly,when achieving wins,deflect praise graciously towards team efforts rather than personal glory.

(09:28):
For instance,as an account manager who onboarded a coveted client,
I highlighted my colleagues' roles in the win rather than taking sole credit.
This builds others’ confidence while preventing your self-worth from rising and falling on every result.
Over time,a balanced lens that acknowledges development areas alongside strengths nurtures confidence that outcomes don't define you or your potential.

(09:53):
Practice Presence and Positivity How you carry yourself physically and interact with others shapes whether people perceive you as self-assured.
Stand tall with open, engaged body language even if nerves brew inside.
Maintain composure and smile genuinely - research shows these nonverbal signals automatically signal confidence to observers (Hall et al.

(10:17):
, 2005).
Similarly,frame challenges positively by focusing on solutions and learning ahead versus frustration in the moment.
For example,when facilitating a tense meeting as a program director,
I acknowledged tensions respectfully but refocused conversations productively on mutual understanding rather than conflict.

(10:40):
A calm,optimistic presence is contagious and shapes how much confidence colleagues and stakeholders place in your leadership or subject matter expertise.
Conclusion - Cultivate Confidence Daily from the Inside Out While confidence seems like a personality trait some naturally possess more than others,
this essay reveals it is very much a cultivated skill.

(11:03):
By establishing research-backed practices that strengthen competence,
preparation,experience and relationships on an ongoing basis,
anyone can significantly increase their natural self-assurance at work.
View confidence not as something that happens overnight but as a lifelong journey of small yet consistent investments of focus,

(11:25):
learning,support of others,balanced perspective and positive mindset.
With commitment to strategies like developing multiple talents,
using affirming self-talk,putting learning over outcomes initially and owning both wins and losses equally,
you have everything within your control to build the confidence needed to maximize your potential and influence.

(11:48):
I hope this essay instills confidence in you to start that journey today toward continuously unlocking more of the leader within.