Confidence as an Output, Not an Input
A crucial insight is that confidence is the output, not the input. Most people mistakenly believe they need to feel ready or confident first (the input) to take action. However, the reality is that confidence stems entirely from action. Trying to build confidence through affirmations (such as writing "I am confident" on a mirror) is ineffective because confidence requires work, not wishing. The true input that leads to the output of confidence is keeping the promises you make to yourself, especially when you do not feel like doing it. Confidence is about doing things scared, not waiting to feel ready. Success and confidence do not discriminate; they rely solely on the fact that you put in the work.
The Power of Evidence and Tracking
Confidence is built through data and evidence, not emotion or dopamine. The brain gathers evidence, which over time builds identity and confidence. To reinforce this process, one must track wins and progress. Tracking keeps people on course because the brain objectively looks at the data ("Oh wow this is evidence, this is data") and believes it, overriding negative emotional narratives. Since the brain tends to magnify the negative, tracking helps fight this natural tendency by highlighting all the successful days.
Building Momentum Through Tiny Tweaks
To ensure consistency, goals must be broken down into steps so small they are nearly impossible to fail (tiny tweaks). This approach creates momentum and helps establish the identity of a person who keeps their word and achieves their goals. Starting too big leads to failure, self-reproach, and reduced energy for the next task. This methodology of starting small (e.g., speaking for 60 seconds on a Zoom call) can eventually transform someone terrified of public speaking into a "rock star on stage".
Embracing Fear and Discomfort
The core principle for dealing with reluctance is recognizing that emotion follows motion, not the reverse. The brain is wired for survival, meaning it uses fear to encourage avoidance of unknown situations. True transformation is achieved by choosing to tolerate fear and discomfort rather than trying to eliminate it. Fear is often strongest immediately before a breakthrough. A key strategy is to acknowledge the fear and do the thing anyways. When you step into the feared situation, the fear dissipates physiologically because you did not run away. Confidence is achieved not because fear is absent, but because actions are taken despite the fear.
Confidence Requires Consistent Effort
Confidence is analogized to a muscle: if it is not put under pressure and worked out, it will grow weaker over time. To build unshakable confidence, one needs a habit that consistently tracks the truth (data) rather than mood. Building confidence is presented as the first step to achieving anything one wants in life.