Confidence can open doors and is at the heart of so many amazing success stories across industries and disciplines and so we’ve always been interested in learning how we can help our readers and community members increase their confidence and self-esteem. Below, you’ll find highlights of some of the great conversations we’ve had on this topic.
Maxine Rose Schur
As a young woman I had little confidence and was somewhat shy. But this is what I did have: a small voice inside me that somehow said “You can do this too.” That small voice led me to study acting at college, receive a B.A. in Theatre Arts and become a soap opera and stage actress in New Zealand. I lived in New Zealand in my early twenties and while I was working in film and theatre that small voice spoke to me when I read children’s books. Again it said, “You can do this too.” Of course I had to work at honing my craft. I knew nothing about what made good writing. I knew only that I had stories to tell and was eager to tell them. Passionate. I took writing workshops and little by little I not only got my stories for children published but became a children’s book reviewer. Read more>>
Justin Bruce
Confidence and self-esteem were not things that came naturally to me early on. When I entered high school, I was 4’11” and 87 pounds—a small frame in a big school, especially for someone passionate about sports, particularly basketball. As a freshman, I made the B team at a large Catholic high school. I loved the game, but my size and skill level made it easy to be overlooked. My sophomore year, I spent most of my time on the bench, watching and learning, but something inside me refused to let that be my story. I decided I wanted more—not just to play but to start as a senior. That decision changed everything. Read more>>
Shalini Thyagaraja
My confidence and self-esteem developed through a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and intentional effort. Immigrating to the U.S. at 19 with just two suitcases and a dream taught me to navigate uncertainty and embrace challenges. Achieving financial independence and establishing a successful career in corporate leadership helped me trust my capabilities, but it was discovering my deeper purpose that truly anchored my confidence. Read more>>
Amanda Gram
I developed my self-esteem and confidence by realizing that you need both to successfully achieve your goals. Understanding that confidence is key helps me rebuild it when I feel I’m lacking it. I also remind myself that confidence fuels improvement and performance, which motivates me to maintain and nurture my self-esteem as much as possible. Read more>>
Ani Gurgenidze
I believe confidence has roots in a family and a way of upbringing. I grew up in a loving family everyone around me was warm and kind. I think this has a big affect on us as adults. Although we have to work on ourselves and try to improve.If you don’t believe in yourself who else will? When I moved to US nine years ago I was only 20.First few years was really challenging for me. To live abroad far from your home country is difficult. I think those years help me grow a lot and look at my life with a different perspective. I went to college for psychology and graduated just now. I remember once my psychology professor told us this: ” When you wake up in the morning look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful, you are smart and you are worthy”. She said we are not always lucky enough to have people around us who tell us compliments all the time and who lift our spirits up so we have to do this by ourselves. Read more>>
Majik
From a young age I had intense self-esteem issues. I never felt good enough. I saw other people’s confidence as a threat, and felt like people could see how afraid I was. My childhood was dysfunctional and the way I dealt with my internal pain was by masking it. I learnt that the only way to survive was to hide behind my abilities, in a practical sense, whilst struggling to find any real confidence. Over the years, I found myself facing imposter syndrome and had a need to ‘escape’ my own skin, which had awful consequences over time. Read more>>
Sylvia Binder
My journey toward confidence and self-esteem began in 2014 when I realized I needed more than just motivational quotes and books to create real change. At that time, I was in Switzerland, reading everything I could find on personal development. But despite all the knowledge, nothing seemed to click—I still felt stuck and not good enough.
That’s when I decided to dive deeper. I started with a coaching session that helped me uncover and process childhood experiences that shaped my beliefs about myself. From there, I tried therapy, but I quickly realized it wasn’t what I needed—it felt like putting a band-aid on deeper wounds. I wanted to go to the core: Why do I think the way I do? Who am I? What do I really want? This desire for clarity and healing led me down a transformative path. Read more>>
Theresa Gomes
The quote, ‘Insecurity is loud while true confidence is quiet’ put into words what I couldn’t when thinking about what confidence and self-esteem means to me. I had started my inner work journey during the summer of 2022 and during that time, I went through all of the highs and lows, from facing my shadow (the parts of me that I used to deem as shameful and unloveable), establishing healthy boundaries, saying no, and so much more. I think confidence is multi-faceted and there are so many particles that make up the whole. With my current state of mind, I believe true, sustainable confidence starts from within and how you show up for yourself. Are you staying true to your own promises? Are you honoring your needs? What is your level of discipline towards your goals? Read more>>
Fan Tang
Confidence and self-esteem were not things that came naturally to me—it was something I had to build over time through challenges, setbacks, and moments of growth. One pivotal experience was during my childhood when I underwent surgery to correct amblyopia and hyperopia. The recovery process wasn’t easy, as I had to wear glasses and a custom fabric eye patch my grandmother made for me. While some people teased me, the love and creativity behind that simple eye patch reminded me that I was supported and valued, no matter how I looked. Read more>>
Kellie Ramos
I’m the oldest of three to my mom and the middle of nine to my dad. Growing up, life wasn’t easy—my dad was physically abusive to all of us. But when I was eight, my mom made a brave choice: she left him. She told me I could change my name to whatever I wanted, and in that moment, I realized something powerful—I could be whoever I wanted to be. Read more>>
Cassandra Cummings
Confidence and self-esteem can be difficult to build and maintain for anyone. I think as human beings, we all have doubts and insecurities on many topics. Throughout my life, I’ve learned that confidence and self-esteem can only be built by having the courage to put yourself and your ideas out there to be seen by others. I had a math teacher once in high school that terrified all the kids because he was so strict. He always stressed that he wanted us to ask questions and that there are no stupid questions. So one day, despite being scared, I asked my stupid question. Turns out more than half the class had the same question and in a short period of time, I earned the respect of that teacher and the other students. I still talk with that teacher to this day, 20 years later. Read more>>
Millie Garcia
I’ve had a few business ideas since I was 8 years old. My first business was making cupcakes with my sister then I started my candle making business when I was 12 years old. At first I only offered customers a choice of two jars and 6 scents which sold really well so I decided to take it a bit more serious and developed my business to a fully bespoke made to order service. I now have a selection of 7 jars and 13 scents for customers to choose from and have recently starting making car diffusers. I think my confidence has grown from being passionate about what I do, so I never cut corners and seeing good results is a huge boost! I’ve had so much positive feedback from customers who have loved their candles and I am growing by learning from my mistakes. Read more>>
Susan Banyas
Trust in oneself is a constant practice, so there is no past tense involved. As a child, I had freedom to roam, permission to ride and groom the pony in our neighborhood that belonged to the local vet. Feeling kinship with animals and nature has always been my anchor. Movement is my savior. I was expected to follow the script — top of the bell curve, studies, marriage, kids, continuity. But I tripped on the script, saw my first Fellini film, discovered the counterculture, moved to the west coast, then elsewhere and on and on. I guess I could say that my self-esteem and confidence was not necessarily from one source, but from the rollicking and beautiful times I grew up in. I was a chid of the Cold War, watched classmates go to Vietnam, woke up to my country’s imperial appetite and racism, became inspired by art and Buddhism and jazz as languages of the heart. All these forces asked me take responsibility for my life, for the happiness in my life. Read more>>
Pauly German
In my experience, confidence and self-esteem comes by achieving things that require discipline and a long-term vision.
For example, learning a new language, getting a nice physique, playing an instrument, etc.
I’ve strengthened my confidence and self-esteem by being very disciplined in becoming the best musician that I can. That resulted in me winning competitions, awards, scholarships, and a general sense of respect from people in your field. That alone gives you a boost in your confidence. But what really solidifies it is the fact that your discipline did make you become that that you were aspiring to be. So, having the skills, you have the confidence to execute and that gives you security in yourself that you can achieve other hard things by being disciplined. That overall picture creates a perfect environment for a good, healthy self-esteem. Read more>>
Sammie Sosa
My mother, Andrea, was an incredible source of love and encouragement. From a young age, she instilled immense confidence in me, always reminding me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Her unwavering support gave me the freedom to explore my creative passions and helped to develop my strong sense of self-esteem. Read more>>
Kelsey Fox
Growing up, I wasn’t confident in myself—not as a person let alone an artist. I spent so much time trying to fit into boxes that I thought other people wanted me in, constantly second-guessing myself and seeking validation that never really satisfied me. It took years of self-discovery and learning to let go of who I thought I needed to be for others and, instead, focusing on who I truly wanted to be. That shift—while gradual and often messy—was transformative. As I became more comfortable with my quirks, my style as an artist and my self-worth as a person started to come together. They weren’t separate anymore. They fed into one another. Read more>>
Brent Birckhead
Initially, music became my refuge. As a shy child facing social challenges, immersing myself in music allowed me to express my emotions and connect with others in a way that words often failed to do. I felt a little more empowered each time I performed, slowly shedding my shyness.
Family support also played a significant role. Growing up, my father and I attended baseball games, track meets, and gigs to watch my brother as he performed. Their encouragement instilled in me a deep belief in my abilities and the importance of having a strong support system. Read more>>
Melissa Scheetz
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been an ongoing journey for me, and much of it ties back to following my passion. I remember a moment when I was updating my website and looking at the body of work I’ve created over my career—it struck me how much I have achieved. That realization was empowering. I’ve faced my share of challenges, especially early on when my family, out of love and concern, worried that I was choosing a difficult path. And they weren’t wrong—it hasn’t been easy—but photography is my passion, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>
Casey Hamilton
Part of me doesn’t know where my confidence comes from exactly, but the other half of me knows exactly where it comes from. My confidence and self-esteem comes directly from my mother and father‘s support. From a very early age, my parents were my champions. They were my biggest supporters, they are my biggest fans, and they always made sure to tell me how proud they were of me and how talented I was and how I could do anything that I set my mind to. I would not be the person I am today without my family. Read more>>
Liz Winston
I’m a big believer in the concept of “identity capital.” Identity capital is the collection of experiences, accomplishments, and skillsets that give you a sense of who you are, what you’re good at, and what you’re capable of. Spending time doing things we enjoy and that build our sense of agency, is a self-propelling form of personal power. Seeking out experiences that build identity capital gives us a sense of “self-efficacy.” When we pursue identity capital, we gain evidence that we have the skills and moxie needed to pursue our goals and work towards reaching our dreams. Read more>>
Nancy Pearson
Finding my place in the gym transformed my experience. With each visit, I gained new skills that made me stronger, which sparked a sense of happiness and excitement. The momentum of progress kept me coming back, eager to see what I could accomplish next. As my strength grew, so did my confidence—both in the gym and beyond. That confidence stayed with me long after I left, and I began to see my newfound strength positively impact my everyday life, making everything more enjoyable! Read more>>
Nicole Iizuka
The essence of the hero’s journey in The O.C. can be encapsulated in one iconic line from Season 1, Episode 4. Anna Stern nudges Seth Cohen (played by Adam Brody) with a simple but profound reminder: “Confidence, Cohen.”
We all wish there were a magic trick, shortcut, or device to unlock true confidence. But the truth, as inconvenient as it is, remains universal: you have to believe in yourself. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was immersed in a vibrant community of artists, storytellers, and dreamers, encouraged to pursue their passions. Yet, I also saw firsthand how chasing a dream without understanding how to ground it in reality could lead to frustration. Dreaming is only the beginning; the real magic happens when you turn those dreams into something tangible. Read more>>
Cody Pike
Confidence and self-esteem come from knowledge and understanding. I know nearly everything there is to know about what I do, still tho , I get nervous before a big job or a new meeting. That feeling goes the moment I start working or answer the first tough question in a client meeting, Then everything falls into place.
Developing real self-esteem is simple: don’t lie to yourself. If you don’t know something, learn. If you don’t want to learn, you don’t love what you’re doing. Luckily ,I love what I do, even though freelance work isn’t always roses. And the job isnt always there the next day. Developing confidence and self-esteem takes honing skills, testing resolve, and proving your mettle over and over again. Read more>>
Simona Vivi H
I love this question, and, at the same time, I find it a bit edgy. I’ve had such a complicated relationship with confidence and self-esteem over my lifetime.
In my 20s, I would have rattled off a list of achievements—things like good grades, athletic accolades, and community service projects—as so-called ‘evidence’ of my self-esteem. But I didn’t realize I was relying on outside-in ‘proof’ of my worth. When life threw me a major curveball in my early 30s, all that external validation came crashing down, and I was forced to confront how fragile my confidence really was. Read more>>
Hatsune Ishihara
I always strive to be the best version of myself and never neglect my daily efforts. I constantly expose myself to new experiences, perspectives, and values to keep updating and improving who I am. I believe that the accumulation of these daily efforts shapes the person I will become in the future. That’s where my confidence and self-esteem come from—through consistent growth and dedication every day. Read more>>
Kimberly Sylvan
Developing confidence and self-esteem is a personal journey that requires consistent effort, self-awareness, and positive habits such as understanding my value, setting small achievement goals, developing positive self-talks, taking actions outside of my comfort zone, surrounding myself around supportive people, focus on self-care, learn and grow continuously, reflecting my progress. Building confidence and self-esteem takes time, I have learned to be patient and kind to myself along the way. Every step forward is progress! Read more>>
Kevin A. Wilson
Firstly I feel that preparation is a key to your confidence. If you spend a great deal of time preparing for every aspect of your endeavor I guarantee that the outcomes will be favorable. Even if the outcome is not what you wanted you can still take the experience you gained when preparing to your next move. Preparation for possible outcomes allows you to learn exponentially and handle adversity when it arises. I feel, that when we look at the most confident people on earth they aren’t superhuman but what we are seeing is someone who practices a high-level of preparation in their lives. Filmmaking and playing sports have taught me this invaluable lesson. Thorough preparation has allowed me to handle obstacles and problems calmly, without worry, and give me the foresight to see solutions. Read more>>
Ovide Van Der Vlist
For me, and I think many people, the biggest obstacle is self-doubt. It is very easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of how many people want to do exactly what you want to do and start seeing these people as competition. Well, they are not. I know, shocker!! This has been my biggest lesson to learn, and I’m still learning it, but no one is exactly like you. Think of your own friends: you feel, talk and act completely different with each one of them, because each of them has a different effect on you. You have a different effect on every person you meet and in casting it’s about finding that person that tells the story they want to tell. If you are not that person, the story isn’t right for you, but another one will. Trust that. Read more>>
Abbey Blake
I think it’s important to preface this by saying my confidence and self-esteem is an ever changing journey, but I’ve put a lot of effort into my personal growth and discovering my authentic self to become the woman I am today. Read more>>
Jun Cen
I was born and raised in China. From a young age, I have always known that I love to draw and that I have some talent for it. My older sister, who also loved to draw, first introduced me to the art. The time we spent creating our favorite cartoon characters together was unforgettable. However, as she grew older, she eventually stopped drawing. Although my enthusiasm persisted, no one around me suggested that making art could be anything more than just a hobby. I became the only kid who drew in my class and in my family. I began to seek an audience outside of my immediate circle. There were a few comic and animation-themed magazines at the time that had sections for art submissions. I started submitting my work to those magazines and was over the moon the first time I found out that my art had been accepted and published. Slowly, more acceptances followed. Read more>>
Jillian Spencer
I think a lot of it come from taking my failures and growing from them. If I were to give up, success would never follow. Confidence and self esteem stem from growth, community support, most importantly praying about my businesses. Read more>>
Craig Byers
My unwavering passion for design and its transformative power to solve problems has been the driving force behind my career. Design, in its broadest sense, has the potential to propel humanity forward, bridging connections in ways as small as a postage stamp and impactful on a global scale.
Through enduring and collaborative partnerships with clients, I’ve had the privilege to address challenges and create remarkable experiences that resonate across diverse cultures and customer touchpoints worldwide. Read more>>
Brian Aderer
For me, it was testing myself, failing a lot, and overcoming that. In particular with my journey as a coder, it was really, really hard at first. It wasn’t the first skill I’d taught myself though, and at that point I felt like I was ‘learning how to learn’ – I was developing a high level, iterative process to acquire and hone a skillset. I started to realize that no matter what it was, whether a sport, or a language, or art, there were a lot of similarities in the types of situations I face as I learn and grow in a subject matter, and that recognizing that allowed me to draw on past seemingly dissimilar past experiences to make new challenges more attainable. Read more>>
