'Believe you can and you're halfway there'*.

If you’ve seen my posts recently then you'll have spotted I’m working through a little series of thought pieces around morphing careers - stepping off the know path and taking a stroll down a route that intrigues, inspires you or nudges you out of your comfort zone. ?

My last post covered how I felt Courage was the kick-starter for all things new. Today I’m going to cover its BFF, Confidence.

Now, in my view, there are two sides of confidence that come into play - yours and that of those around you. (*And if you don't agree with me, I'll stick with Theodore Roosevelt's view).

Unless you’re one of the many we often see around these parts that likes to, let’s say, overconfidently state their capabilities, 5am get up, 10k run and deal of the century closed by breakfast anyone?, confidence can be a prickly friend for the majority of us.

We all have our moments of doubt - Can I do it? Do I have the right depth of experience to be credible in this space? Will anything I contribute actually be seen as meaningful and valuable?

But, despite those crisis moments, to take on a new challenge you have to have confidence that you’ll succeed and that you have a plethora of value adds to bring to the table that no one else can.

Taking the B roads once in a while, because something interesting has caught your eye that you’d love to deep dive into, builds up your value bank. That value, coupled with your confidence in the life-story you have to tell, enables you to find your footing in a new space, without hitting the panic button, and nurtures the self belief it's the right step to take.

Now, the flip side is the confidence those around you have to have in your ability to have impact. Few are given the opportunity, or freedom, to step into a new space without it.

Be it an investor in a start up, a promotion in your team or a situation that needs the skills you have to unravel - the confidence of others in you opens the door to step into that opportunity or challenge.?

Confidence also gives you kudos and the much needed comfort of knowing someone has your back when the time comes to make the step. And funnily enough, it also gives a bit of a boost to that old thing called courage.

But confidence, and trust, is only gained through known action and outcomes. And to gain it requires you to be in sight of those around you -?so visibility is what I'll tackle next time.

And if you've missed my previous posts about this topic:

1. The starting point

2. Chicken & Egg (Courage)