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Writer's pictureNaveen Maram

The Confidence Competence Loop: How To Build Confidence Through Self-Efficacy and Practice

Updated: Aug 28, 2023


Summary: Confidence is a trait that many of us desire, whether for public speaking, trying something new, or simply believing in ourselves. Yet, confidence is not something that we are born with. It is a learned behaviour that requires practice, self-belief, and the courage to take action. In this article, we'll explore the importance of self-efficacy in building self-confidence, the confidence competence loop, and the actions we can take to build our confidence. Also, we'll briefly explore why setting achievable goals, taking on new challenges, and celebrating small victories along the way is important. We'll also discuss a key insight from Russ Harris, the author of 'The Confidence Gap', who believes that the actions of confidence come first, and the feelings of confidence come later.


Confidence is a critical trait that is often associated with success, but it's not an innate quality. It's something that can be learned and developed through experience and practice. The more you practice and hone your skills, the more confident you become. There's plenty of advice out there on how to build confidence, but in my experience, one of the most essential components of building confidence is self-efficacy; it is the belief in your own abilities to achieve specific goals. As a writer and content creator, I have much to learn, but I'm becoming more confident every day in facing the camera and speaking to my audience because of this belief and by consistently practising the necessary skills.


The confidence-competence loop theory also supports this claim. The theory explains that belief leads to action, which then leads to increased competence, which leads to more confidence and further action, and so on. It's a cycle that can help you build your confidence and reach your goals. What's more, Russ Harris, the author of 'The Confidence Gap', highlights the importance of taking action to build confidence. He notes that the actions of confidence come first, and the feelings of confidence follow. It's a powerful reminder that we should focus on taking action and building competence, rather than waiting for confidence to appear magically.


In addition to self-efficacy, other important factors that can help build confidence include setting achievable goals, taking on new challenges, and celebrating small victories along the way. When you set goals for yourself and achieve them, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and build your confidence. Taking on new challenges, even if they seem daunting at first, can also help you develop your skills and increase your self-efficacy. When I first faced the camera, I went through a feeling of uncertainty and self-doubt; but I can tell you that the more I work on my skills, the more I believe in my own capabilities. On top of that, celebrating small wins along the way can help keep you motivated and build momentum towards achieving bigger goals.


In conclusion, believing in yourself is critical, but taking action and practising your skills is even more important. The more you do, the more confident you become, and the more success you'll achieve. So, don't wait for confidence to show up before taking action. Take action now, and confidence will follow. Remember, confidence is a learned behaviour, and with practice and perseverance, you can develop it into a superpower that will help you achieve your dreams.



Naveen Maram

Inspiring individuals to fearlessly pursue their dreams and create their own success stories.


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