Steps to Improve Confidence: The First Bold Step Toward Reinventing Your Career

If you're reading this, I already know something about you. You’ve worked hard. You’ve shown up. You’ve played by the rules. You’ve supported your family, your team, your aging parents, your kids who are still finding their way, maybe even all at once.

But somewhere along the way, you got lost in the mix.

Maybe it started with a promotion you were promised... that never came. Maybe you stopped getting invited to the meetings where decisions were made. Or maybe you looked around one day and realized you’d been playing small for years, and you didn’t even notice it happening. Here’s the truth no one says out loud: It’s not that you aren’t capable. It’s that your confidence has been chipped away.

One disappointing moment at a time. A bad manager who dismissed your ideas. Colleagues who interrupted or overlooked you. Recruiters who ghosted your application, even with two decades of experience.

I know, because I’ve been there. And if you’re nodding your head right now, I want you to hear this loud and clear: You are not broken. You’re buried. Buried under years of overachieving in systems that weren’t built to celebrate you. And you’re not alone. Steps to Improve Confidence

I’m not here to give you fluffy advice or tell you to “think positive.”You deserve more than that. You deserve a path that feels real.

So here’s where we begin, four simple but powerful steps to improve confidence:

1. Reframe Imposter Syndrome

You’ve done hard things before. You’ve led. You’ve adapted. You’ve figured it out on the fly.

So when that voice pops up saying, “Who do you think you are?” Say this instead: “When I feel like a fraud, I’ll remind myself, I’ve already done this. I’ve earned every seat I’ve sat in.”

Confidence starts with evidence. You have more of it than you think.

2. Ask Someone You Trust What They See in You

Reach out to a colleague or friend who knows your heart and your work. Ask them, “What are three words you’d use to describe me when I’m at my best?” You’ll be reminded that you are not invisible. You’ve just stopped seeing what others still do.

3. Create Your Credibility Inventory

I want you to write down three accomplishments you’ve overlooked. Things you thought were just part of the job, but that actually took courage, smarts, and strength.

Now ask yourself: If someone else did this, would I be impressed? You already have a successful track record. You just haven’t given yourself credit.

4. Say the Words Out Loud

This part might feel awkward. Do it anyway.

Say it in the mirror. Say it while you drive. Say it until you believe it:

• I am qualified to be seen.

• I don’t need permission to lead.

• My story matters. So do I.

These aren’t just affirmations. They’re reminders of what’s already true. Okay, Now What? This isn’t about fixing yourself. You’re not broken. But it is about choosing yourself. Not next month. Not next year. Now!

So here’s your first small but bold move: Take one visible action today. Just one.

✅ Leave a thoughtful comment on someone’s LinkedIn post ✅ Message a woman you admire and tell her why ✅ Share a story from your life that shaped how you lead

You don’t have to have it all figured out. But you do have to move. Because confidence doesn’t come from thinking. Confidence comes from doing. You don’t need to become someone new. You just need to remember who you were before the world told you to dim your light.

You are not too late.

You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be to make your next bold move.

And I’ll be right here cheering you on. Need help taking that first step? DM me and let's work together. - Mary K