Champion Mindset: Building Confidence & Self-Esteem

Every day, our team is focused on how to help our audience and community reach their full potential in every part of their lives – personal and professional. Building confidence and self-esteem is one of the most essential requirements for success and below we’ve presented some of the conversations we’ve had around how to build confidence.

Andrew Rezman

Being in the Content Creator space you are going to have many people that judge you in the beginning. You really have to love what you do and remember that hard work always pays off. I believe confidence is something that is acquired and not born with. over time and through trails someone build confidence. I believe this trait is one of the most important in any line of work. you must be confidence in not just appearance but in your work. I take pride in my work because I am proud of every video that I have created. No one is perfect and confidence/self-esteem is something that can be increased all it takes is practice. Read more>>

Robyn Miranda

Confidence and self esteem for me, comes from within, from my past experiences, finding out who you are and what makes you feel fulfilled. However, this changes occasionally and oftentimes even project to project. Periodically I just need to step away, take a deep breath and reassess the situation. Usually, I just need a well rested mind to think and see clearly. It is something that is constantly evolving and is not always an easy task. Owning and operating the studio has taught me so many lessons and I’ve learned to avoid comparing myself and my art to others, actively work outside my comfort zone, and celebrating personal accomplishments. Read more>>

Victoria Ferreira

I am the youngest of four, but I never really had the mentality of a youngest child. I loved school, worked hard to make good grades, I have studied music since I was six years old and have always pushed myself to not give up on anything even if it gets hard and to run toward my dreams. Sure, I have had many disappointments and set backs but those things are what have helped me to become even more focused on my goals, because they became a challenge rather than a hindrance. As my Dad has told me, “you do land on your feet!” I am thankful my parents always encouraged me in my endeavors and were there for me during hard times. Read more>>

Gabrielle Austin

My confidence and self-esteem have been developed over time through a process of self-discovery and acceptance. Every day, as I learn more about who I am, I get more comfortable with my flaws and all. I’ve come to realize that true confidence isn’t about being perfect, but about embracing the imperfections that make me unique. I’ve learned that if I don’t love and accept myself, it’s hard for others to do so. By practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and celebrating ALL of my progress, I’ve built a foundation of confidence that allows me to navigate life with greater resilience and authenticity. Read more>>

Tamra Gaines

I wasn’t a confident child—I often walked with my head down, unsure of my actions or words. But two pivotal experiences shaped my confidence and helped me grow into the person I am today. The first was in high school when I started working in an office environment. I quickly grasped instructions, and the positive feedback I received from my colleagues was transformative. Their compliments and encouragement motivated me to exceed expectations, and I became a top performer. That recognition fueled my belief in my abilities and showed me how capable I could be when given the opportunity. Read more>>

Ibrahim Khalil

Confidence and self-esteem didn’t just transform my personal life—they became the driving forces behind the success of my business, Usagi Detailing. When you’re building something from the ground up, belief in yourself is essential. Without it, you might hesitate to take risks, step out of your comfort zone, or face the inevitable setbacks that come with entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Jalen Gage

Engaging in self-care routines, believing in myself, and gaining more comfort in front of the camera. The support of my fans has been a constant source of inspiration. Their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm have fueled my passion and drive. Their kind words of encouragement, whether through social media, emails, or in-person interactions, have reminded me of the impact my work has on others. Their unwavering support has given me the confidence to continue pursuing my dreams and has made me realize the importance of using my platform to make a positive difference. Read more>> 

Michelle Mclean

I truly believe my confidence was gifted to me since birth. I am an extrovert for certain. I am shocked by meeting so many women who are CEO’s that run very big businesses who are predominantly
introverts. My self esteem had to be developed over the years. I have had to go through many medical issues so self esteem is always a work in progress. Read more>>

Danielle Deluca-pytell, Md

Confidence and self-esteem did not come easily or quickly. As a physician, I spent a lot of years in school and in training. I was always able to gauge my success by grades and/or accolades received through that process. Once I began work as a plastic surgeon, there was no longer a report card that came out. It was very difficult for me initially to feel confident in the work that I did since I always had an external source by which to judge myself. I distinctly remember walking to the foot of the operating table to look at an immediate post-surgical result and exclaiming, “that looks awesome!” The anesthesiologist remarked, “why are you the only one who is surprised?” It was then that I began to look deep within myself. Learning to trust myself and trust my education took time. What I thought was intuition was actually years of hard work.  Read more>>

Tiffany Chaney

My confidence and self-esteem are byproducts of my healing journey in Jesus Christ. I came from the mindset that working to earn equated to deserving every element of my life. I am deemed a dedicated and solution-oriented woman who gives way for people to seek me out for their various life issues. I later realized that being who God created me to be is enough. I stopped focusing on the doing and took time to discover my identity outside of what I do. It has made all the difference. Read more>>

Chazz Gary

To quote the great Kobe Bryant, “confidence comes from preparation… I’m not asking myself to do anything that i haven’t done a thousand times before.” I think my confidence comes from constant creation. If you do something enough times, you eventually figure it out. I am constantly creating and challenging myself. I have been for a long time now (11+ years), so although i know there is so much more to learn, there is a level of understanding of the craft that I’ve developed throughout the years. Im a huge basketball fan and often times compare it to my own art. The greatest players are all guys that loved the game so much that they obsessed over the work. Read more>>

Martha Carter

I’m still developing my confidence and self-esteem, but it’s come a long way since I was a little kid. I’m a survivor of complex trauma that absolutely ruined my confidence and self-esteem. It made me feel small, unworthy of love and affection, and like nothing I do will be okay or enough. Since I was a toddler, I felt like my authentic self wasn’t worth paying attention to. I was worried the more people would interact with me, the more likely it was they’d realize they don’t like me, or I was a bad egg… so I did my best to hide in plain sight. Read more>>

Angela Fuller

My confidence and self-esteem developed through a journey of resilience. After a car accident left me with chronic back pain and years of inactivity, I struggled with body image and self-worth. Postpartum depression following my second pregnancy only deepened my sense of disconnection from myself. Read more>>

Jess Sepulveda

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by understanding that confidence comes from knowledge. When you truly know something, you can approach it with certainty and clarity. Often, you have to trust yourself and the process, even when the outcome isn’t immediately clear. Education plays a crucial role in executing any action. It’s important to seek resources, guidance, or people who have already walked the path you’re on. Books and the experiences of others provide invaluable insights, helping you navigate your journey and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Read more>>

Jade Bremer

My confidence and self-esteem have been shaped by my experiences and lessons in the stationery industry. It is easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially in a field like custom stationery, where it can feel like someone else is always doing something bigger or better. It is natural to have moments of self-doubt and insecurity. However, I have learned to cultivate confidence by focusing on the value I bring to my clients and their trust in me. When I receive an inquiry, I view it as a meaningful affirmation that my work has caught someone’s attention and resonates with them. That’s a sign that my creative efforts have made an impact. The excitement I feel when a client reaches out reminds me that my skills and talent are valued, which is a powerful motivator. I also find inspiration in vast and diverse industries like fashion.  Read more>>

Steve Horner

I developed confidence and self esteem early on by growing up in a home that highly valued creative risk taking. At a young age, my Dad left his position as a teacher and applied for and won a government grant that allowed him to form a successful non-profit organization that did groundbreaking work in enriching the educational experience of students across the midwest and eventually nationally. I was always encouraged to explore my creative side and received an abundance of encouragement when I began exploring music in the 8th grade. Every creative project I undertake is a chance for me to dig a little deeper and see if something emerges that I haven’t heard before. There have been times of course when I’ve competed for and lost a job or the piece of music I’ve been creating doesn’t connect with others the way I had anticipated. Read more>>

Busani Ncube

As a 26-year-old photographer, I’d say my confidence and self-esteem developed through a mix of personal growth and challenges in my career. Starting out, I doubted my skills and worried about how others perceived my work, but over time I learned that confidence comes from doing the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. I focused on honing my craft, taking feedback constructively, and celebrating small wins, like nailing a shoot or getting positive feedback from a client. I also stepped out of my comfort zone by networking with other creatives, showcasing my work, and learning to handle rejection without letting it define me. Beyond photography, I started prioritizing my health, which made a huge difference in how I felt about myself. Confidence, for me, is an ongoing journey of growth, both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Richelle Mclaughlin

I have been able to develop my confidence and self-esteem through trial and error. I believe that “going for it” and failing allows me to learn. The more I learn the more confidence I develop, I truly believe I have the ability to figure anything out. I don’t think I have to have to whole process figured out before starting. Read more>>

Nathan Abbott

I was somewhat lost as a child. I feel that most entrepreneurial people are until they find themselves. We don’t fit in the box that society wants us to be in. The teachers would say I was too active, don’t pay attention, don’t fit into the idea of what they wanted me to be. My mind was always racing and I didn’t know where I fit in. I often found that comedy and making people laugh was my therapy. During the Summer when I was 17 years old I went on a 30 day hiking trip in Wyoming through an organization called NOLS. We hiked over the continental divide at 14,00o ft. and were dropped off on one side of the Wind River range and were picked up on the other side a month later. This is where I found my true authenticity. Read more>>

Brandon Vanegas

Definitely through experience. At first, i was a very self conscious individual and worried about what other people thought about me. Throughout the years, I’ve been in very difficult situations due to dumb young-aged minded decisions that led me to prison, civil law suits, federal and criminal law suits, and many unfortunate events. Read more>>

Olivia Taylor

It took some time and LOTS of practice. I started performing in lounges around the DC area, eventually graduating to larger stages. In February 2023, I was flown out to perform in LA for a tour called End the Violence Tour. After that successful show, the stages started getting bigger. In September 2023, I was invited to perform on WUSA 9 Great Day Washington’s DMV Soundcheck. My first national TV performance opened my eyes to how much people really cared for my music and delivery. This opened the door for many more higher profile performances. Read more>>

Den Baurin

“My confidence and self-esteem have been shaped by a combination of self-reflection, experience, and passion for my craft. Early in my journey, I realized that true confidence comes from within—it’s about believing in your unique voice and what you have to offer to the world. Performing, writing, and creating allowed me to connect with myself and my audience on a deeper level. Each time I stepped out of my comfort zone—whether it was writing a deeply personal song or performing on stage—I grew a little more confident. Those moments of vulnerability taught me that strength comes from embracing who you are, flaws and all. Read more>>

Luciano Hernandez

Confidence and self esteem are important aspects of your personality. Some people have more, some people have less, but the good news is that you can develop it within yourself on purpose. The last part there, on purpose, is where the money is at. Read more>>

Aislan Adrian

It’s an interesting question that made me think a lot now. Since I was a child, I’ve always believed that there was something inside me that I wanted to show the world, and it’s funny because I believe that when you have creative thinking, references about the path are not so clear. There’s the fear of the family who are afraid of the future, because when you deal with creativity, there are no guarantees. In my case, I spent a lot of time trying to understand my afflictions and accept that many times the path would be lonely, and that loneliness would be my only company. Read more>>

King Wojack

I began my confidence journey during the early 80ies as a young student and fan of NY HipHop that was being played over the airwaves. As a teenager, living in Tacoma Wa , my time was spent watching television and playing sports but also mimicking break dancers and DJs . By the late 80ies I was a aspiring B boy and Dj , building my first Dj casket with a built in Drum machine and mic during high school shop class (10th grade). I then started djing and writing rhymes forced into being a local battle rap artist of Tacoma and traveling to local schools and destroying all MCs in my path with clever and creative rhymes with a touch of political madness! Read more>>

Flora Montes

Fashion has been a transformative force in my life, especially as I navigate PTSD and depression stemming from past trauma. It has offered me a creative outlet to express emotions that words often fail to capture. The vibrant world of fashion allows me to reclaim control, empowering me to redefine my identity on my own terms. Whether it’s designing, curating looks, or producing events, the process brings structure and purpose, alleviating the chaos that mental health struggles can bring. Read more>>

Sebas Art Club

I’ve always been a natural leader and unafraid of taking risks or facing rejection. I believe that confidence comes from trusting yourself and staying authentic. By being true to who I am, I know I’ll attract the right opportunities and people who align with my vision. Read more>>

Rev. Whittney-marie Murphy

I am grinning as I write this, my mother. Sharon Murphy Williams is the epitome of confidence, self-esteem class and fashion. Growing up, I was able to witness her literally walking into a room, silence a crowd, demand attention, and look incredible while doing it and the key was, sometimes she wouldn’t even say a word. Read more>>

Matthew Bowles

Confidence and self-esteem are cultivated gradually, through the deliberate and courageous act of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. It is the fear of the unknown that often hinders growth, yet it is precisely in facing that fear that one begins to expand. In this journey, failure becomes a teacher, offering lessons to refine and improve, while success affirms one’s abilities and fuels further growth. Each step, whether marked by triumph or challenge, contributes to the evolution of a stronger, more assured self. Read more>>

Cara Seeley

I have always stood out as the odd one in the room. Growing up in a larger body taught me resilience and helped me develop a thick skin. Over time, I’ve come to understand that self-confidence is rooted in recognizing whose opinions truly matter—and the opinions of people who don’t truly know you are irrelevant. Embracing who you are is the ultimate act of self-love, and it creates an unshakable foundation for authentic connections. Those who genuinely care about you will never be deterred by your authenticity. Read more>>

Chacey Cox

While naturally, I am self-confident, I attribute much of my self-esteem to my mom and dad. My parents have always supported me greatly in everything I’ve done. When I decided to start doing YouTube, my parents immediately sought what they could do for me to help me achieve my goals. My mom provided me with video ideas and my dad eagerly decided to become a b-roll cameraman. They’ve always believed in me and so as a result, I grew up believing in my own abilities to accomplish what I aspired to. Read more>>

Ashlee Lawhorn

Confidence and self-esteem aren’t just things you wake up with—they’re built, step by step, like making your favorite dish or building a portfolio. For me, it’s all about celebrating progress. The first time I nailed a tricky drum solo or landed a role I’d been dreaming about, it wasn’t luck—it was believing in myself just enough to take that first step, even if I wasn’t 100% sure I’d crush it. Read more>>

Steve Garcia

My confidence comes from not being afraid of rejection and being prepared for the outcome of any situation. I may not have control of everything but I do control my reaction towards a situation. Read more>>

Site Ma

Growing up, I wasn’t the confident type. I was shy, often second-guessing myself, and this timid nature followed me everywhere—especially during my early years studying abroad. I was studying Journalism, which, ironically, pushed me far out of my comfort zone. Reporting classes were pure torture. The idea of interviewing strangers and making endless phone calls left me riddled with anxiety. Read more>>

Truenice Bryant

EVERYTHING…lol, I am literally a jack of all trades as one would say. Being a creative, I am a Psalmist, Worship Leader, Author, founder of The Level Up Sis Network…I love bringing women together creating a safe space to say “Hey Sis, I got you” Read more>>

Stacy Williams

I’ve always been an outspoken, outgoing person with a big personality. However, there have been many times when the confidence I projected didn’t match how I truly felt inside. Even now, I sometimes struggle with feeling as good as I appear. When this happens, I remind myself that any negative thoughts I have about myself are not facts. While I believe it’s important to honor my feelings, I also know it’s crucial not to let the negative ones define me. In moments of low confidence, I turn to prayer, affirmations, motivational podcasts, and inspirational music to lift my spirits. I’ve also learned to embrace being a beginner and not expect perfection right away.  Read more>>

Donterell Mcduffie

Confidence and self-esteem, for me, have been built through experience and reflection. It’s a mix of preparation, self-awareness, and faith. I’ve faced situations where I had to rise to the occasion, and over time, I realized I’m capable of handling challenges. My faith plays a big role—it gives me a foundation, reminding me that I’m created with purpose and equipped with what I need to succeed. Read more>>

Amee Finigan

I was adopted when I was four months old from Busan, South Korea and adopted into an Irish-American, Caucasian family in the suburbs of Portland. I was not blessed with an easy childhood, being one of the only minorities in my entire school, not to forget community. I suffered from internalized racism, and hated every and all of my Korean physical attributes. Hate is a strong word, but it’s exactly the feeling I felt. Read more>>

Iron Gordon

Confidence comes from experience, like most people I suppose, the more experience I have in a particular area, the more confident I tend to feel in my ability to handle situations within that domain.
I gained experience by rarely turning down clients work. Even if it felt like it didn’t fit my style or aesthetic of art, I wanted the work experience more than I wanted to have some sort of artist expression. I feel that was a good way for me to develop my confidence and expand my skill set into mediums I would have never tried unless a client asked me. Read more>>

Melisa Majdancic

While growing up, I cared far too greatly about other’s opinions of me and how I was perceived by the world. I grew up as a first born child with parents who had just immigrated to the United States, and in turn had high expectations for what their daughter could accomplish. This fed into me then always striving to be perfect – regardless of if it was in school, at home, with learning new things — I never wanted to disappoint them and I always wanted to be a role model for my younger sisters. I think many people can relate to this feeling or this desire to want to show the people you care about that you are doing well and making them proud. However, this mindset and way of life quickly overtook my personality. It was as if I had built my own cage to stay in and never felt comfortable to step out of it. Read more>>

Andrew Johnson

I developed those by constantly putting in the work towards myself and my craft. Knowing how much I’ve put into what I do solidifies them. Read more>>

Guadalupe Perez

Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey, and it’s something that I still work on to this day. For me, it started with recognizing my strengths and accomplishments, and celebrating those successes, no matter how small they may seem. I’ve also learned to be kind to myself and to practice self-compassion, which has helped me to develop a more positive and supportive inner voice. Additionally, surrounding myself with positive and supportive people who believe in me has been instrumental in helping me to build my confidence and self-esteem. And, of course, taking risks and stepping outside of my comfort zone has also helped me to grow and develop as a person. Read more>>

Hector Carvajal

When you fully embrace yourself, your origins, and your background, you create a foundation of confidence and comfort in your identity. Truly understanding and accepting who you are allows you to walk through life authentically, proudly representing your culture. This self-acceptance is transformative—it empowers you to feel comfortable in your own skin and be at ease with who you are. That sense of comfort becomes a driving force, enabling you to feel good about yourself and excel in what you do. Read more>>

Elizabeth Arias

My confidence and self-esteem are both works in progress, evolving through continuous effort and self-discovery. While I feel more grounded and sure of myself than ever, I’ve learned that neither confidence nor self-esteem happens overnight. There’s no magic button to press that instantly makes you feel worthy or unstoppable. Both require intentional practices rooted in self-respect and self-care. Read more>>

Vanita Joseph

I realized that there are things I’m good at that some people aren’t very skilled at, and I should be grateful for that. When it comes to talents, I would often look at others’ talents instead of focusing on my own. There are still things that I wish I could do, but I’ve decided to focus more on my own talents and work on perfecting them. Read more>>

Litas Li

I genuinely believe in the saying, “You don’t build confidence; you build evidence.” Confidence isn’t something you suddenly acquire; it’s a construct formed through experiences and learnings over time. I wasn’t always confident, and even today, I wouldn’t call myself a naturally confident person. However, I’m at a place where I feel comfortable acknowledging what I don’t know, which has been a transformative shift. Read more>>

Gaucha Berlin

I’m still working on it. That comes automatically over time if you can start going out and talking to people about your work, participating in exhibits and shows and getting feedback from guests. There is no boost of confidence like having someone approach you at a show and tell you that they love your work. Participating in these events also allows you to meet other artists and exchange your thoughts with individuals on the same journey,This can be very helpful. Read more>>

Julia Bellary Sasa Li

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you develop through effort and consistency. Think of it as a skill that grows stronger with time and intentional practice. The key? Small, meaningful actions every day. Read more>>

Big Sexy BerryWhite

I developed my confidence and self-esteem at a young age. I entered the theater in high school and that was very instrumental in that development. The ups and downs of auditioning, casting, rehearsals, and performances are not for the weak-willed. You have to have tough skin to keep going after countless rejections both known and assumed. Read more>>

Kristin Turner

Betting on myself and taking leaps. I am the only child of a single mom who was in the military. The combination of that and other factors growing up imbued me with a deep sense of personal and community responsibility. Choosing to go on the adventure of My Life has landed me in the roles and spaces beyond my wildest imagination. Read more>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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