Imagine the anticipation buzzing in the air as I prepared for my very first training session, ever. Butterflies in my stomach, and words escaped me completely when my boyfriend asked how I felt.

Fast forward a couple of years. Just weeks ago, I stood before a captivated audience of 200, delivering a speaking presentation. As the day came to a close, an attendee approached me, admiring my unwavering confidence. She confided, "Presenting to a room full of people always makes me sick. I wish I could exude confidence like you."

In response, I offered a simple yet profound truth: "If you want to be confident, there's one vital key—do the thing you want to be confident in. Over and over!"

Confidence doesn't magically appear; it grows with each step we take.

Allow me to share fascinating insights with you.

In her enlightening book, "The Confidence Code," Katty Kay interviewed numerous experts. While they had varied definitions of confidence, one idea that resonates deeply is the notion that confidence is not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task, but rather on your belief in your ability to succeed. This liberating perspective emphasizes the power of self-perception and belief in fostering confidence.

As women – many of us in male-dominated industries - it's common to encounter additional challenges and obstacles that can shake our confidence. However, by understanding that confidence is rooted in our own belief system, we can reclaim our inner strength and rise above external limitations. This allows us to cultivate a deep sense of self-assurance, embracing our unique strengths and capabilities.

It shifts the focus and encourages us to nurture a strong self-belief that propels us forward with resilience, determination, and the courage to challenge norms.

Here's the key:

Confidence is never a prerequisite for embarking on something significant. It's the outcome of diving headfirst into action, even amidst fear and uncertainty. It's about harnessing those nerves and doubts as fuel for growth. Trust me, I've embarked on this journey, and the exhilaration is worth it.

Now, take a moment to reflect. Recall a time in the past year when you felt confident while doing something meaningful. Picture what you saw, the thoughts that occupied your mind, and, above all, how it felt.

But let's face the truth:

Were you confident right from the start?

Probably not.

Unshakeable confidence rarely accompanies initial attempts. Instead, we often grapple with nerves and doubts. However, by taking that crucial first step and translating thoughts into action, we set ourselves on an empowering path. With each endeavour, our confidence grows into an unstoppable force.

So, I implore you—don't wait for confidence to magically materialize.

Don't let apprehension hold you back. Embrace action, even when it feels nerve-wracking. Start today, knowing that your confidence will flourish with each brave move you make.

Commit to turning our thoughts into action, regardless of the butterflies within. Remember, true confidence emanates from within and is forged through courageous steps forward.

Did you know that a survey conducted by Forbes revealed that 70% of successful female leaders attribute their achievements to taking risks and pushing beyond their comfort zones? (Reference: Forbes, "Women in Leadership: Key Factors for Success," 2022)

Now, let's embark on this exhilarating leadership adventure together.

Share your thoughts below, and together, let's amplify our collective confidence!