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Top 10 “How to Build Confidence” Strategies That Work

I have spent more than 20 years learning how to build confidence that’s real and lasting. This is not the fake-it-till-you-make-it type. I’m talking about building confidence that is the deep, true self-assurance that comes from within.

Confidence is not something you are born with. It’s a skill you develop, and I’m going to share the exact strategies that have transformed my life and my clients’ lives. Most importantly, I know that these tips on how to build confidence work. Because they’ve helped many of my clients through our confidence building coaching sessions. And in their real-life experiences. I have also spoken to audiences on world stages, sharing how to build confidence successfully.

Twenty-four years ago, I was at rock bottom. Struggling with addiction, facing immense adversity, and drowning in self-doubt. I had zero confidence in myself or my future. I didn’t know what I should do with my life. I hated my life with a passion, adopting self-limiting beliefs.

But here’s what I discovered: building self confidence isn’t about eliminating fear or doubt. It’s about moving forward despite them. I went from having an overdose to becoming a multimillionaire. I went from being broke to leading a team of over 600 people at We Level Up Inpatient Treatment Centers. I learned that building confidence is both an art and a science.

The strategies on how to build confidence I’m about to share aren’t just motivational fluff. They’re backed by neuroscience research and proven through real-world application. You can build real confidence with these ten powerful tactics.

This guide for how to build confidence is great for:

• Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow. These how to build confidence tips can help.
• Executives, managers, and self-improvers who want the blueprint on how to build confidence that’s rock solid.
• If you want to overcome limiting beliefs, these strategies will assist you.
• Parents looking to show your kids how to build confidence, these tactics are for you.

The Science Behind How to Build Confidence

It Takes ~66 Days to Form a New Habit

Research shows that confidence and personal growth are not instant — they’re habits. A study from University College London found something interesting. On average, it takes about 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. This proves that the old myth of “21 days to form a habit” is wrong. It shows that confidence comes from consistent practice, not quick solutions.

Key Finding: The average time to reach automaticity was 66 days. This ranged from 18 to 254 days, depending on behavior and individual consistency.

Takeaway: Confidence habits take time to develop. Practices like daily affirmations, public speaking, and exercise need about two months of regular practice. After this time, they can become lasting habits.

My Insight: “Confidence compounds over time. Every day you show up for your habit, you’re wiring belief deeper into your identity. Miss a day? That’s feedback, not failure — just keep the streak going.”

Writing & Tracking Goals Increases Success by 42%

Goal-tracking and written accountability dramatically improve results. People who write down and share their goals are 42% more likely to reach them. This idea also applies to leadership, building confidence, and achieving business results.

Key Finding: Participants who wrote down their goals had a higher success rate. They shared their goals with a friend and provided weekly updates. This group had a 42% higher success rate in achieving their goals than those who did not write them down.

My Insight: “When I coach clients, I tell them: write it, track it, share it. Once your goals leave your head and live on paper or with people you trust, your accountability — and confidence — multiplies.”

As a confidence coach and business pro, I lean on science to teach people how to how to build self confidence. I use confidence building exercises to create real, repeatable confidence. Below I’ve highlighted five landmark studies/reviews (each with an authoritative source). You’ll find the findings and key stats on how can you build self confidence. I’ll also give you my coaching takeaways. I’ll discuss what I actually coach people to do for how to build a confidence that sticks.

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Study (author, link)	Key findings + stats	Insights on how can you build your self confidence
Albert Bandura — Self-Efficacy (1977). educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au	Classic theory paper introducing self-efficacy: belief in your ability to execute actions to reach goals. Bandura outlines four sources of self-efficacy: mastery experiences, vicarious/social modeling, social persuasion, and physiological states. (Foundational framework used in almost all modern confidence research.)	I translate this to business: confidence predicts performance, but context matters. For complex tasks, skill-training + confidence together beat confidence alone. So I pair competence-building (practice, templates, role-play) with confidence-building.
Stajkovic & Luthans — Meta-analysis (1998) — Self-Efficacy & Work Performance. ResearchGate	Meta-analysis of workplace studies (k≈157, N≈21,616) found a weighted average correlation r ≈ 0.38 between self-efficacy and job performance — a medium, meaningful relationship. The effect varies by task complexity and context.	I translate this to business: confidence predicts performance, but context matters. For complex tasks, skill-training + confidence together beat confidence alone. So I pair competence-building (practice, templates, roleplay) with confidence work.
Sisk, Burgoyne, et al. — Growth-mindset meta-analysis (2018). PubMed	Two meta-analyses (one on correlation, one on interventions). Growth-mindset interventions on average produced small effects on academic outcomes (intervention effect ≈ d ≈ 0.08; mindsets explained ≈ ~1% of variance in achievement across large samples). Effects were larger for at-risk or low-SES subgroups and when interventions actually changed mindset.	I use mindset language carefully. Telling someone “believe more” is weak. I coach specific reframes and action steps that build mastery and show progress. Mindset works best when it is combined with real practice and feedback.
Carney, Cuddy & Yap — Power-posing (2010) (and subsequent replications/debate). Haas School of Business Faculty+1	The original 2010 paper reported that expansive postures altered hormones, increased risk-taking, and heightened feelings of power. Later, bigger studies (like Ranehill et al., 2015) did not find the same hormonal or behavioral effects. However, changes in self-reported feelings of power are often evident. The literature is mixed — effects on feelings are robust; physiological behavioral claims are contested.	I still use posture as a quick way to help. It reliably changes how people feel about themselves right away. This change in feelings is helpful. But I never present it as a magic hormonal hack — it’s a bridge to action (stand tall → speak confidently → get feedback → repeat).
Hofmann et al. / CBT meta-analyses — CBT for anxiety disorders (2014, 2018 summaries). PubMed+1	CBT for anxiety, including social anxiety, has moderate effects on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Some studies show a Hedges’ g of about 0.54. It is one of the best-supported treatments for reducing avoidance, increasing exposure, and boosting social confidence.	When low confidence comes from anxiety/avoidance, I borrow CBT tools: graded exposure, behavioral experiments, and cognitive reframes. Those methods reliably convert avoidance into repeated practice — that’s how confidence becomes robust.

What the science tells me on How to Build Self-Confidence (and how I translate it)

1. Confidence is not a feeling only — it’s a belief plus behavior. Bandura’s framework is the backbone: mastery experiences (real wins) are the single strongest driver.
2. Confidence predicts performance (r ≈ 0.38 in workplace meta-analysis). That’s not trivial — raising self-efficacy meaningfully changes outcomes, especially for simpler, well-defined tasks.
3. Mindset alone is a small lever unless paired with practice. Growth-mindset interventions produce small average effects (d≈0.08) but can matter for specific at-risk groups — the takeaway: combine belief shifts with concrete skill building.
4. Fast hacks can change subjective feelings, but aren’t a substitute for practice. Power-posing can make you feel more powerful. However, its effects on your body and behavior are unclear. Use it as a warm-up, not as proof of your skills.
5. Therapeutic techniques (CBT/exposure) work when anxiety underlies low confidence. They provide structured paths to address avoidance and build mastery. Effect sizes for CBT on quality of life and anxiety symptoms are moderate.

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Evidence-Based Building the Confidence Best Practices

Before diving into the strategies, let’s understand what happens in your brain when you are building confidence. Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that confidence is linked to self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed in certain situations.

Brain Region	Role in Confidence	How to Strengthen It
Prefrontal Cortex	Executive decision-making	Goal setting and planning
Anterior Cingulate	Emotional regulation	Mindfulness practices
Hippocampus	Memory formation	Celebrating small wins
Amygdala	Fear response	Gradual exposure to challenges

Neuroscientist Dr. Amy Cuddy’s research at Harvard shows that body language can change our hormone levels. It can increase testosterone—the confidence hormone—by 20%. It can also decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, by 25% in just two minutes. This is why the physical aspects of confidence-building are so crucial.

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My Personal Journey on How to Build Confidence

I remember dropping out of school in the 7th grade, thinking my life was over. I had no confidence, no self-worth, and certainly no vision for the future. But that dark moment became my turning point. I learned that confidence does not just appear. I had to build it step by step, choice by choice.

The first time I tried to speak publicly about my recovery, my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold the microphone. But I showed up anyway. That’s when I learned my first lesson about confidence. It’s not about feeling fearless. It’s about taking action even when you are afraid. Each time I shared my story, each small business decision I made, each relationship I rebuilt—they all became building blocks for my confidence.

Now, as the founder of We Level Up and author of “An Unlikely Businessman,” I talk to thousands. I lead a multi-million dollar organization and coach entrepreneurs around the world. I still remember the scared person I used to be. That is why I care so much about helping others gain the confidence they deserve.

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Top 10 Tactics for How to Build Confidence

Strategy 1: Master the Art of Positive Self-Talk

Your inner dialogue is the foundation of everything. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that people who use positive self-talk do 31% better on tasks. They are also 37% more likely to reach their goals.

I teach my clients to become aware of their internal narrator. Instead of saying “I can’t handle this,” try “I’m learning how to handle this.” The difference is subtle but powerful. Your brain doesn’t distinguish between what you tell it and what’s actually true—it simply responds to the programming you give it.

Practical Exercise: Keep a self-talk journal for one week. Write down negative thoughts as they occur, then rewrite them in a more empowering way. This simple practice rewires your neural pathways over time.

Strategy 2: Set Micro-Goals and Celebrate Micro-Wins

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is setting goals so large that they become overwhelming. When you consistently fail to meet unrealistic expectations, your confidence takes a beating. Instead, I teach the power of micro-goals.

In my early recovery, I couldn’t think about staying sober forever—that felt impossible. But I could stay sober for one day. Then another. Each day became a micro-win that built my confidence to tackle bigger challenges.

How to implement: Break your main goal into steps so small they feel almost trivial. Want to write a book? Start by writing one paragraph daily. Want to build a business? Start with researching one potential customer per day. These micro-wins create momentum and build evidence that you can succeed.

For more detailed goal-setting strategies, check out my free goal-setting worksheets that have helped thousands of entrepreneurs clarify their vision.

Strategy 3: Embrace Strategic Discomfort

Confidence grows in the space between comfort and panic. I call this the “confidence zone”—where you’re challenged but not overwhelmed. Every time you voluntarily step into this zone, you expand your comfort zone and build evidence of your capabilities.

When I first began speaking, I joined Toastmasters. I volunteered for every chance to speak, even when my voice shook and my palms sweated. Each experience taught me that I could survive discomfort and even thrive in it.

Action Steps:

• Identify one area where you’ve been playing it safe.
• Take one small action this week that feels slightly uncomfortable.
• Document how you feel before, during, and after.
• Use this evidence to fuel your next challenge.

Strategy 4: Build Your Personal Board of Directors

You become who you surround yourself with. Research by Harvard psychologist Dr. David McClelland found that your reference group affects your success or failure. This group includes the people you spend the most time with. They can determine up to 95% of your outcomes.

I’ve been blessed to surround myself with mentors, peers, and team members who challenge me to grow. My “personal board of directors” is composed of successful businesspeople. It also includes spiritual guides. Additionally, I have people who help me see my blind spots by telling me the truth.

Creating Your Board:

• Identify 3-5 people who embody the confidence you want to develop
• Reach out and ask for mentorship or advice
• Join groups or communities where these people gather
• Be willing to serve and add value, not just take

Strategy 5: Develop Physical Confidence Practices

Your body and mind are inseparably connected. When you change how you move, breathe, and carry yourself, you literally change your brain chemistry. This is why I start every morning with specific physical practices that build my confidence.

The Confidence Stack (my morning routine):

• 5 minutes of power short daily positive affirmations with postures (hands on hips, chest out, chin up)
• 5 minutes of morning meditation with deep breathing exercises
• 5 minutes of visualization
• 20 minutes of physical exercise

Research from Columbia Business School shows that holding power poses for just 2 minutes can increase levels of confidence hormones by 20% and decrease levels of stress hormones by 25%. I’ve seen this work with countless clients who initially thought body language was superficial.

Strategy 6: Master a Skill That Matters

Nothing builds confidence faster than competence. When you develop genuine expertise in something that matters to your goals, you create unshakeable self-assurance. This isn’t about becoming perfect—it’s about becoming proficient enough to add real value.

For me, mastering public speaking transformed not just my career but my entire sense of self. Every hour I invested in learning presentation skills, storytelling techniques, and audience engagement paid dividends in confidence. Now I speak to audiences worldwide because I know I can deliver value.

Skill Selection Criteria:

• Choose something aligned with your goals
• Pick a skill that can be practiced regularly
• Select something that will be noticed by others
• Ensure it’s challenging but achievable

You can accelerate your skill development through my leadership coaching programs, specifically designed for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Strategy 7: Practice Assertive Communication

Confidence isn’t just about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about being clear, direct, and true in how you communicate. Many people have trouble with confidence. They may seem aggressive, which can cause conflict. Or they may seem passive, which can lead to disrespect.

I teach a communication framework I call “Kind but Clear”:

• State your position without apology or excessive justification
• Use “I” statements to express your needs and boundaries
• Listen actively to understand, not just to respond
• Stand firm on important matters while remaining respectful

Example: Instead of saying “I’m sorry, but I think we should consider…” try “I think we should look at this option because…”

This shift in language patterns trains your brain to see you as someone who deserves to be heard and respected.

Strategy 8: Create Evidence Files

Your brain has a negativity bias—it’s wired to focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. To build confidence, you must deliberately collect evidence of your capabilities, achievements, and progress.

I maintain three evidence files:

• Wins File: Every accomplishment, no matter how small
• Growth File: Evidence of improvement and learning
• Impact File: Testimonials, thank-you notes, and evidence that I’ve made a difference

Whenever my confidence wavers, I review these files to remember who I really am and what I’m capable of. This isn’t ego-boosting—it’s reality-checking against the lies that self-doubt tells you.

Strategy 9: Help Others Build Their Confidence

One of the most powerful ways to build your own confidence is to help others build theirs. When you mentor, teach, or support someone else’s growth, you reinforce your own capabilities and develop leadership confidence.

Through my coaching and speaking, I have found that helping others succeed makes me more confident in my own skills. It creates a positive feedback loop where everyone wins.

Ways to Help Others:

• Share your knowledge through writing or speaking.
• Mentor someone who’s earlier in their journey.
• Volunteer your skills for causes you care about.
• Celebrate others’ achievements publicly.

Strategy 10: Develop Unshakeable Self-Acceptance

This is the foundation upon which all other confidence strategies rest. Self-acceptance isn’t about thinking you’re perfect—it’s about being okay with who you are while you work on who you’re becoming.

I spent years trying to build confidence by fixing everything I thought was wrong with me. But real confidence came when I learned to accept my past, embrace my present, and trust my future. My addiction, mistakes, and failures are part of my story. I wouldn’t change them because they brought me to where I am today.

Self-Acceptance Practice:

• Write down three things you’ve been trying to “fix” about yourself
• Ask yourself: “What if this isn’t something to fix but something to accept?”
• Practice self-compassion when you make mistakes
• Remember that everyone is figuring it out as they go

For deeper work on self-acceptance and personal transformation, I invite you to explore my online life coaching programs. We dive deep into the mindset work that creates lasting change.

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Building Your Daily Confidence Practice

Confidence isn’t built through occasional grand gestures—it’s built through consistent daily practices. Here’s the simple framework I recommend to all my clients:

Morning Confidence Ritual (10 minutes):

• Review your wins from yesterday
• Set one micro-goal for today
• Practice power poses and deep breathing
• Visualize yourself handling the day’s challenges with confidence

Evening Confidence Review (5 minutes):

• Celebrate what went well, no matter how small
• Identify one lesson learned
• Plan tomorrow’s micro-goal
• Practice gratitude for your progress

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My practical 5-step confidence routine (built from the studies above)

1. Micro-mastery: pick a 1–2 hour task you can finish this week. Ship it. (Bandura → mastery.)
2. Behavioral experiments: Test a small risk, like a short pitch, cold call, or brief presentation. Record the outcome, then repeat with the changes. Use CBT or exposure techniques.
3. Model & mirror: watch a peer or role model and copy specific behaviors (speech rhythm, structure). Vicarious learning builds expectation.
4. Brief embodiment warm-up: Stand tall and take two deep breaths before you perform. This helps you feel powerful. Then, start your practice script or task right away. (Use posture as a bridge, not a crutch.)
5. Review data weekly: track wins, effort, and failures. Use small data to update belief (self-efficacy) rather than “hope” it has changed.

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Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Knowledge without action is just entertainment. The difference between people who build lasting confidence and those who remain stuck is implementation. You don’t need to master all ten strategies at once—in fact, trying to do too much will backfire.

Choose one strategy that resonates most with you right now. Commit to practicing it for the next 30 days. Track your progress, notice the changes, and celebrate the small wins along the way. Once that becomes natural, add another strategy to your confidence-building toolkit.

I went from rock bottom to building a multi-million dollar business. Now, I help thousands of people change their lives. If someone like me can build unshakeable confidence, so can you. The only difference between where you are now and where you want to be is the actions you take consistently over time.

Your confidence journey starts with a single step. The question isn’t whether you’re capable of building confidence—science and countless success stories prove that you are. The question is: are you ready to start building?

More resources for how to build confidence and continued growth:

Building confidence is a lifelong journey, and I’m committed to supporting you every step of the way. Here are additional resources to accelerate your progress:

• Download my free time-blocking templates to create structure that supports confident action
• Take my free emotional intelligence assessment to understand your confidence triggers
• Read my book “An Unlikely Businessman” for the complete story of transformation
• Connect with me on social media for daily inspiration and practical tips

Your future self is counting on the decisions you make today. Choose confidence. Choose growth. Choose to believe in the incredible potential that lives within you.