You may assume that successful women are confident women. It also stands to reason that their confidence is primarily based on their experience and skills. Is success rooted in qualifications? Or the ability to push through limiting beliefs? Some say both are equally important, but others say that success—whatever that looks like for you—can be elusive without the confidence to press through self-doubt. 

What’s the difference between confidence and competence? The difference is that competence implies an acquired skill set, while confidence is a belief in oneself. Competence says, “I know how to do that,” while confidence says, “I may not know how to do that, but I can figure it out.”

Experience is the secret sauce to competence, so mindset doesn’t play a significant role in developing expertise. Skills are sharpened by repeatedly doing the same tasks. But, mindset does play a significant role in confidently pursuing dreams and goals.

If you want to become an entrepreneur, negotiate a promotion, or do anything that takes you out of your comfort zone, your mind may tell you you’re not capable enough. But, as it’s been said before, you’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Your limiting beliefs may be the culprit to keeping you on the sidelines when you’re perfectly qualified to play the game. 

Here’s some good news: showing confidence may not come naturally, but it’s like a muscle, and you can strengthen it.

 Try these 4 tips to get you started:

• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones

We have a negative-bias default, but you have the power to override that default setting. It’s tempting to believe all those thoughts that drop into your head, but this is where you have some control. Replace your negative thoughts with ones that uplift and energize you. Using positive self-affirmations or mantras is a great way to elevate your thinking.

• Strengthen your body language

Standing or sitting up straight and looking people in the eyes signals confidence. Your tone of voice, coupled with your posture, signals that you believe in yourself. Even if you’re trembling on the inside, your body language won’t give away your secret. 

• Get out of your comfort zone

Our brains are wired to keep us safe. Doing things beyond your norm and even slightly scary expands our self-imposed limits. It can be anything from learning how to make a chocolate souffle to public speaking—the simple act of doing something different changes our perceptions. 

• Speak up 

This is different from speaking confidently. Sharing your insights, thoughts, and opinions, especially if you’re the only woman in the room, can be unnerving. Studies show that people who speak up are perceived as more competent to lead, even if they don’t have much experience in the subject matter. 

Confidence and competence are a journey, not a final destination. Embracing learning, making mistakes, and taking inventory of your abilities increases both, and is part of becoming a more successful you.  

Photo Credits: Andrea Piacquadio – Pexels