Building Confidence with Credits: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Authenticity

This week's article was authored by Curtis Scaplen , Co-Founder of Leadership In Focus , and President of Action Consulting.

"True confidence isn't found in the applause of others, but in the quiet moments of self-assurance earned through self-reflection and personal growth." - Curtis Scaplen

The Search for Validation

For much of our lives, the search for validation and reassurance often leads us down paths dictated by external measures of success. Whether it's the pursuit of wealth, achievements in our careers, or even approval in personal relationships, we tend to gauge our worth based on these tangible achievements. Yet, in the middle of these pursuits, there is a profound realization—that true fulfilment and confidence are formed not from external validation, but from within.

I too, found myself caught in this cycle, constantly seeking validation from the world around me. However, the most transformative journey I embarked upon was the one that led me to confront the person staring back at me in the mirror. It is a relentless journey of self-reflection, forcing me to challenge my own beliefs, values, and insecurities.

You see, the fa?ade we present to the world we want to look polished and flawless, but the mirror reflects the truth—the raw, unfiltered essence of who we are. And while it may be tempting to deceive ourselves and others, the fa?ade eventually crumbles under the weight of its own deceit.

Confidence Credits: Gamifying Growth

The turning point came when I realized that true growth and happiness are not awarded by external forces, but are instead built through our own actions and choices. I began to accrue what I like to call "confidence credits" by honoring the promises I made to myself and taking tangible steps towards personal growth.?

Confidence credits are a way for us to gamify the process of building our own self worth. For me, it started with giving myself small challenges and stacking from there. Things like drinking water first thing in the morning, getting 20 minutes of exercise, or making the calls I promise to make.?

When we follow through on the commitments we make to ourselves it provides a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence. It starts small, but when we stack achievements they compound to better days and then better weeks, etc. Some days are better than others, but self reflection and being accountable to ourselves is a worthwhile journey along our search for our own truth.?

Closing Thoughts

"In the currency of self-worth, every action towards authenticity is a valuable deposit, enriching our inner wealth far beyond any external measure." - Curtis Scaplen

Operating within the framework of our own values and consistently showing up for ourselves and those in our sphere of influence nurtures a sense of self-worth and confidence that cannot be derived from external validation. It's a worthy journey of self-discovery, where each “credit” taken reaffirms our belief in ourselves and our abilities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Curtis Scaplen is the Co-Founder of Leadership In Focus , President & CEO of Action Consulting, and Head of Business Development at Seasoned Pros. Curtis is a proud father, entrepreneur, and growth facilitator. He lives to challenge the status quo and is obsessed with solving customers’ problems. He was born in Saint John, NB, and a graduate of the University of New Brunswick. Curtis is a relationship-driven leader who has over 20 years of experience across many industries. His curiosity and need for continuous improvement have led him all over the globe. He has worked on unique projects in every major city in Canada and over 30 countries globally, building iconic brands, and partnering with some of the world’s largest suppliers. He is passionate about the “why” and since moving back to Atlantic Canada from Toronto in 2015 he is dedicated to the growth and sustainability of the Atlantic Region.