How to Break Free from Overthinking

overthinking

 

If your mind feels like it’s stuck on a loop — replaying conversations, worrying about the future, dissecting decisions — you’re not alone. Overthinking is one of the most common habits that drain confidence, cloud judgment and keep people stuck in stress and indecision.

Thinking deeply isn’t the problem. But when thinking turns obsessive, repetitive and unproductive, it becomes a trap. You get caught in mental quicksand, stuck in “what ifs,” and overwhelmed by analysis. It robs you of peace, clarity and momentum.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


Fortunately, you can retrain your brain to stop overthinking in its tracks. It won’t happen overnight, but with conscious effort and the right strategies, you can break the cycle.

Here’s how to do it — step-by-step.

1. Recognize the Pattern and Pinpoint Your Triggers

Awareness is your first line of defence. Most people don’t even realize when they’ve slipped into overthinking. By the time you notice it, you’ve already lost an hour of your day — or a night of sleep.

Start by watching for the signs:

  • You replay a conversation or decision again and again.
  • You feel mentally exhausted without taking action.
  • You jump from one scenario to another, trying to control an outcome.

What to do:

  • Name it: “This is overthinking.”
  • Identify what triggered it — was it a decision, a worry, a social interaction?
  • Track patterns: Does overthinking show up in work, relationships, health decisions or when you feel uncertain?

Knowing your triggers gives you the power to interrupt the cycle before it spirals.

2. Write It All Down — Clear It Out of Your Head

Your mind isn’t a storage unit. When you’re stuck in overthinking, it helps to get your thoughts out. Writing is one of the most effective tools for this.

Journaling forces you to slow down and organize the mental noise. You start to see what’s real and what’s just emotional static.

Try this approach:

  • Write out exactly what you’re thinking. Don’t edit — dump it all.
  • Identify facts vs. assumptions.
  • Look for repetition: What thought keeps showing up?

You might start to notice patterns like catastrophizing, self-doubt or a need for control. Once you spot the loop, it loses power.

Bonus tip: Create a “worry window” — set aside 15 minutes a day to write down any fears or overthinking. When the habit shows up later, tell yourself: “I’ll think about this during my worry time.”

3. Calm Your Nervous System Before You Problem-Solve

When you’re anxious or overstimulated, your brain isn’t wired for good decision-making. You might think you’re solving problems by thinking more, but you’re actually spinning.

Before you respond to your thoughts — pause and calm down.

Ways to reset:

  • Breathe deeply. Try box breathing: inhale 4 counts, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4.
  • Move your body. A short walk can shift your entire mental state.
  • Engage your senses. Use grounding techniques like holding something cold, listening to calming music or lighting a scented candle.
  • Take a break. Step away from the triggering situation for 10–20 minutes.

The goal is to return your body to a state where you can think clearly — then decide what needs action and what doesn’t.

4. Get a Second Perspective — Talk It Out

Overthinking loves isolation. It thrives in silence and secrecy. One of the most powerful ways to shut it down is by talking to someone you trust.

Even just saying your thoughts out loud can reduce their emotional grip. Often, you’ll hear yourself and think, “Wait, that doesn’t even make sense.”

Tips for a productive conversation:

  • Choose someone who listens well and doesn’t jump to solutions.
  • Be honest. Say: “I don’t need advice. I just need to say this out loud.”
  • Ask questions like: “Am I missing something?” or “Does this sound like overthinking to you?”

If you need deeper guidance, consider talking to a coach or therapist. Having someone mirror your thoughts back with objectivity can be a game-changer.

5. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment

Overthinking is almost always about the past (regret) or the future (fear). Rarely are you obsessing over what’s happening right now.

The cure? Get present.

How to return to now:

  • Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste.
  • Focus on your breath. Count each inhale and exhale for one minute.
  • Do one mindful task — wash dishes, fold laundry or drink tea — without multitasking.

You’re not trying to stop thoughts completely. You’re just reminding your brain: “This is where I actually live. Not in the past. Not in the future. Here.”

Bonus Tip: Practice Decision Hygiene

Many people overthink because they fear making the “wrong” choice. But indecision is more costly than imperfection. You can always adjust — but you can’t recover lost time.

Start practising what’s known as decision hygiene:

  • Set a deadline to decide. Don’t let decisions bleed into days.
  • Get clear on what “good enough” looks like.
  • Remind yourself: “I can make adjustments. But I won’t waste energy on imaginary outcomes.”

Confidence isn’t built on perfect decisions — it’s built on making decisions, learning and moving forward.

You Can Reclaim Your Mental Space

Overthinking is a habit — not a personality trait. It’s not something you’re doomed to live with forever. The key is awareness, not avoidance. You don’t fight overthinking by thinking harder. You break it by grounding yourself, interrupting the loop, and getting back into action.

The goal is progress, not perfection. Each time you recognize a spiral and choose a better response, you’re rewiring your brain.

You’re building a new habit — one of clarity, calm, and confidence.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

 

 

 

Photo by 愚木混株 cdd20 on Unsplash

Transform Your Confidence with Better Self-Talk

confidence and self talk

 

Confidence doesn’t begin with external achievements — it starts with how you talk to yourself. The way you think and speak to yourself each day has a direct impact on your self-esteem, motivation and sense of self-worth. This internal dialogue, also known as self-talk, can either lift you up or tear you down. If your thoughts are consistently negative, they become a mental loop that erodes your confidence and keeps you stuck.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


But the good news? You can take control of your self-talk and rewire the way you speak to yourself. And when you do, your confidence will start to grow naturally.

What Is Self-Talk and Why It Matters

Self-talk is the internal narration running in your head all day long. It’s not always loud or obvious, but it influences how you interpret the world, how you view yourself and how you respond to challenges.

There are two main types:

  • Positive self-talk: Encouraging, empowering, realistic. (“I’ve handled tough things before — I can do it again.”)
  • Negative self-talk: Critical, limiting, self-sabotaging. (“I always mess things up. I’ll never get this right.”)

Your self-talk is shaped by life experiences, upbringing, culture, media and personal beliefs. If it’s largely negative, it becomes a lens that distorts reality and stunts your growth.

The Damage of Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is more than just a bad habit. It chips away at your confidence and contributes to anxiety, depression and indecision. It keeps you small, afraid and reactive. You second-guess yourself, procrastinate, avoid risks and believe the worst about yourself — even if it’s not true.

Common forms of damaging self-talk include:

  • Labeling: “I’m stupid,” “I’m ugly,” “I’m a failure.”
  • Catastrophizing: “If I mess this up, everything will fall apart.”
  • All-or-nothing thinking: “If I don’t get it perfect, I’m worthless.”
  • Comparing: “Everyone else is ahead of me.”

The mind will believe what you repeat often. So if you’re constantly reinforcing these beliefs, they become your emotional default.

Step 1: Catch the Lies You Tell Yourself

The first step in shifting your self-talk is awareness. You can’t change what you don’t notice. Start paying attention to the voice in your head. What is it saying when you:

  • Make a mistake?
  • Look in the mirror?
  • Think about a challenge?

Start writing these thoughts down. Don’t judge them — just observe. You’ll likely find that many are exaggerated, harsh or flat-out untrue.

Step 2: Get Real, Not Delusional

Positive self-talk doesn’t mean lying to yourself or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. It means speaking to yourself like someone who sees your worth and believes you can grow.

Instead of saying: “I’m terrible at this.”
Try: “I’m still learning. I can improve with practice.”

Instead of: “I’m not attractive.”
Try: “I have features I like, and I’m working on feeling better in my body.”

Positive self-talk should be rooted in truth and compassion, not fluff. That’s how you build authentic confidence.

Step 3: Show Yourself Some Compassion

You wouldn’t speak to a friend the way you often speak to yourself. If your best friend were struggling, you’d offer encouragement — not insults. Why not do the same for yourself?

Self-compassion builds confidence because it allows room for mistakes, growth and imperfection. It creates safety within your own mind, making it easier to try new things without the fear of inner punishment.

Ask yourself:

  • What would I say to a friend in this situation?
  • What tone would I use with someone I love?

Now say those things to yourself, out loud or in writing. It might feel awkward at first. Keep going.

Step 4: Weed Out the Old Mental Scripts

We all carry outdated messages from childhood, culture, and media. “You’re not good enough.” “You need to look a certain way.” “Don’t stand out.” These mental scripts are often inherited — not chosen. But you get to decide which ones stay.

When a negative thought arises, challenge it:

  • Where did this belief come from?
  • Is it helpful or harmful?
  • Is there evidence for it — or is it just noise?

Then, actively replace that thought. Not with fantasy, but with a realistic, positive alternative.

Step 5: Kick Out Disempowering Thoughts

Disempowering thoughts are thoughts that shrink you. They make you feel small, stuck and scared to act. These thoughts might sound like:

  • Why even try?”
  • Someone else could do it better.”
  • I’ll just embarrass myself.”

These aren’t facts — they’re fears in disguise. When you recognize them, interrupt the pattern. Say:

This thought isn’t helping me. I choose a better one.”

Build a list of empowering phrases to use as mental armour. For example:

  • I’ve done hard things before.”
  • I’m capable of figuring this out.”
  • This moment doesn’t define me.”

Keep them visible — on your phone, bathroom mirror or notebook.

Step 6: Zoom Out and Look Ahead

Negative self-talk zooms in on the moment and blows it out of proportion. It convinces you that a bad day is a bad life. But confidence requires perspective.

Instead of obsessing over the traffic jam, awkward moment or missed opportunity, zoom out.

Ask:

  • Will this matter in a week? A month? A year?
  • What can I learn from this?
  • How can this moment be part of my growth?

Focusing on the long game helps you stop overreacting and start responding with wisdom.

Step 7: Protect Your Mental Space

Your self-talk is influenced by the voices around you. If you’re surrounded by negative people or media constantly selling fear, comparison or shame, your self-talk will mirror that.

Be selective about:

  • The people you spend time with
  • The content you consume
  • The environments you engage in

Protect your energy like it matters — because it does.

Confidence Is an Inside Job

Confidence doesn’t come from applause, appearance or achievement. It starts in your mind — with the words you say to yourself when no one else is listening.

You can’t always control the world outside you. But you can choose how you respond to it — and how you speak to yourself while you do.

Make your self-talk a daily discipline:

  • Notice it.
  • Question it.
  • Replace what needs replacing.
  • Speak with kindness and truth.

When you do, your confidence won’t be fake or forced. It will be real, earned, and unshakeable.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

 

 

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

How to Truly Believe in Yourself Daily

self confidence

 

Believing in yourself isn’t just a motivational phrase — it’s the foundation of personal growth, resilience and success. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight, and it’s not a fixed trait. It’s a mindset you can build, strengthen and maintain with consistent effort. Whether you’re working toward a career goal, nurturing relationships or simply trying to feel better in your skin, the ability to believe in yourself is a game-changer.


Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program


This article updates and expands on practical ways to boost self-belief, with real strategies to help you stay motivated, set meaningful goals and ride out tough times with confidence intact.

Why Self-Belief Matters

When you believe in yourself, your life changes in measurable ways:

  • You trust your ability to set and reach goals.
  • You’re more optimistic about the future.
  • You feel empowered to try new things and take risks.
  • You treat yourself with more compassion and respect.
  • You feel more satisfied with life overall.
  • You stay motivated and productive, even during tough times.
  • You have resilience when challenges come your way.
  • You see and appreciate the good things in your life.
  • Your confidence attracts others to you.

Believing in yourself isn’t about ego or arrogance. It’s about building an internal compass that helps you navigate your life with clarity and strength. Here’s how to develop that inner trust.

1. Become Your Own Cheerleader

You can’t wait for others to motivate you. Learn to motivate yourself. One of the most effective ways to build belief in yourself is to start acting like your own best ally.

Break down big tasks. Don’t get overwhelmed — divide goals into smaller pieces so progress feels possible. For example, if you’re trying to write a book, focus on writing just 500 words a day. Each step builds momentum and belief.

Celebrate small wins. When you get things done, even small things, acknowledge it. Small victories compound into real confidence.

2. Dream Boldly and Often

Your dreams matter. They point you toward what you truly want — not what others expect from you. You don’t need permission to dream big.

  • Want to start your own business? Visualize it in detail.
  • Want to live abroad? Start planning where and how.
  • Want to switch careers? Imagine what success looks like for you.

When you connect with your dreams, you’re reinforcing that your desires are valid. That belief alone pushes you to take action.

Action Step: Write down your top 5 dreams. Be specific. Don’t hold back. Let yourself feel how good it would be to achieve them.

3. Set Clear, Bold Goals

Dreams inspire you, but goals move you. Goals are dreams with deadlines. If you want to build self-trust, prove to yourself that you can follow through.

  • Set short-term goals that you can hit in days or weeks.
  • Set long-term goals that will take months or years.
  • Revisit and revise your goals as needed.

Tip: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your success rate.

Every goal you complete is evidence that you can do hard things. That’s the kind of evidence your brain needs to believe in yourself more deeply.

4. Treat Yourself Like Someone Who Matters

Self-respect is a core ingredient in confidence. When you treat yourself well, you send a message to your brain: “I matter.”

  • Speak kindly to yourself. Watch your inner dialogue.
  • Rest when you need to rest.
  • Eat nourishing food.
  • Do things you enjoy, just because.
  • Don’t tolerate disrespect — from yourself or others.

Self-belief grows in environments where you feel safe, valued and seen. Be the one who provides that space for yourself.

5. Keep Motivation Fuelled

Motivation can fade, but habits will keep you going. Still, when you’re chasing big goals or fighting self-doubt, it helps to keep your “why” front and centre.

  • Create a vision board.
  • Write affirmations that resonate with you.
  • Keep a list of reasons you started.

Motivation is the spark. Belief is the fuel. The more you act, the more motivated you feel. It’s a cycle you can control.

Hack: Motivation often comes after action. So don’t wait to feel ready — just start.

6. Stay Grounded During Hard Times

Everyone faces setbacks. What separates confident people is how they respond to them.

When things fall apart, you still have choices. Believing in yourself doesn’t mean denying difficulty. It means facing it with the knowledge that you’ll figure it out.

  • Don’t catastrophize—zoom out.
  • Focus on what you can control.
  • Remind yourself of other hard times you’ve survived.

Reframe challenges as chances to grow stronger. This isn’t toxic positivity — it’s strategy. When you stay calm and self-assured in chaos, you build deep confidence.

7. Practice Gratitude for What’s Working

It’s easy to overlook what’s good when you’re striving for more. But self-belief also comes from recognizing the abundance already around you.

  • Are you safe right now?
  • Do you have someone who supports you?
  • Did you eat today?
  • Is the sun shining?

Find the good in your current moment. Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to sufficiency.

Gratitude Exercise: Every night, write down three things you’re grateful for. Make it a ritual.

Confidence is a Daily Practice

Believing in yourself isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a habit. It’s built through consistent action, even when you feel scared, uncertain or stuck.

Practice these habits:

  • Encourage yourself.
  • Honour your dreams.
  • Set real goals.
  • Treat yourself kindly.
  • Stay motivated.
  • Ride out tough times with resilience.
  • Notice what’s already good.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up for yourself. That’s where real confidence is born — and where it lives.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program

P.P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

 

 

Photo by Daniel Minárik on Unsplash

Build Confidence by Mastering Competence

competence

 

If you want to succeed in anything — career, relationships, sports or personal development — you need two essential traits: confidence and competence. They work together to create a powerful momentum that drives you forward, helps you tackle challenges and keeps you moving even when things get hard. When you combine a solid belief in yourself (confidence) with real, developed ability (competence), you create a foundation that makes success not just possible, but likely.


Confidence in your abilities to go after your goals can sometimes be difficult to find or keep.

It can sometimes take time to discover the confidence you have inside you. This can be especially true if you are trying something new.

I have a program that can help you to discover what is holding you back from achieving your goals as well as help you set an attainable goal related to where you are in your life and where you are trying to be.

This program also works with you to build up your confidence in being able to reach your goal.

You can find out more about this program at Confidology, a funny name but a serious program.

You can contact me to talk about this or any other aspect of confidence and success at michael@coachmichaelw.com

Visit the site and read through the program description.

If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance


This article breaks down the relationship between competence and confidence, why both matter and how to build them deliberately to fuel long-term success.

Confidence Needs a Solid Foundation

Confidence isn’t just about “feeling good.” It’s the belief that you can rise to meet any challenge. But here’s the truth: confidence that isn’t backed by competence doesn’t last. It collapses under pressure.

Real confidence grows from experience. When you’ve trained for something, studied it, practised it and failed enough to learn, your belief in yourself becomes grounded. This grounded confidence is unshakable — and that’s where competence comes in.

What Is Competence, Really?

Competence means knowing what you’re doing and being prepared to do it well. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being equipped — mentally, emotionally and physically — to face a challenge head-on.

Competence includes:

  • Acquiring deep knowledge or skill in an area
  • Consistent practice and learning from feedback
  • Willingness to take on hard tasks
  • Preparing thoroughly before taking action

You don’t need to be the best to be competent. You just need to know enough and practice enough that you trust yourself when it’s time to act.

Competence Builds Confidence — Step by Step

Think of confidence like a spotlight. It shines brighter when it has something solid to rest on. That “something” is competence. Every time you take action, learn something new or practice a skill, you’re stacking bricks under your confidence. Over time, you build a stable platform that keeps you from crumbling under pressure.

Here’s how the cycle works:

  1. You learn something.
  2. You practice it.
  3. You get better.
  4. You feel more capable.
  5. You take on more challenges.
  6. Your confidence grows.

That cycle is how confident people are built — not born.

Set Goals That Build Competence

Too many people chase confidence without doing the groundwork. Confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can follow through. That starts with goal setting.

Break goals down into achievable steps. These micro-goals help you build competence in stages. For example:

  • Want to become a confident speaker? Start by learning the basics of presentation structure. Then practice speaking for 2 minutes. Then 5. Then in front of a friend. Then a group. Each step builds competence — and with it, confidence.
  • Want to get fit? Learn about nutrition and form. Start with manageable workouts. Build consistency before intensity.

Competence is earned, not guessed. The better you get at something, the more confident you’ll feel doing it.

Face Challenges With Determination

People with both competence and confidence don’t avoid difficulty. They lean into it. That’s because they trust their ability to figure things out — even if they haven’t mastered it yet.

Challenges aren’t threats; they’re opportunities to stretch.

Confident, competent people:

  • Don’t fear failure. They see it as feedback.
  • Don’t quit easily. They adjust and try again.
  • Don’t let success slow them down. They look for the next level.

Mistakes are data, not doom. When you treat every setback as a chance to learn, your competence expands — and your confidence gets tougher.

Organization, Preparation and Action

Confidence without preparation is a bluff. Competence without action is wasted. You need all three: organization, preparation and follow-through.

Let’s break it down:

  1. Organize your goals.
    Know what you’re working toward. Write it down. Define what success looks like.
  2. Prepare for the effort.
    Do your research. Learn the tools or skills you need. Practice. Rehearse.
  3. Take focused action.
    Execute without overthinking. Get feedback. Adjust. Repeat.

When you work like this consistently, you earn your confidence. And you can trust it because you built it on results.

From Competent to Confident to Inspiring

Once you’ve built that inner strength, people notice. When you walk into a room, they feel it. That’s because you’re projecting something real: earned confidence.

Here’s the interesting part — how others react to your confidence depends on them. Some may feel inspired. Others may feel threatened. Either way, your job is not to manage their reactions. Your job is to keep showing up, being prepared and acting with integrity.

Confidence that comes from competence:

  • Inspires trust
  • Attracts opportunities
  • Makes you a role model, even when you’re not trying to be

This is how influence is born — not by pretending to know everything, but by steadily becoming the person who does the work.

Confidence is Built, Not Bought

Confidence and competence aren’t things you either “have” or “don’t.” They’re skills you develop over time. Every action you take toward growth — learning, practising, preparing, showing up — feeds your confidence. Every goal you achieve adds to your self-trust.

So if you’re chasing more confidence, don’t start with mindset tricks. Start with action.

Build your competence deliberately, and confidence will follow. Together, they’ll carry you further than talent or luck ever could.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S Don’t forget to visit Confidology to learn more about the program. If you are not ready to commit to a full program, I have a self-paced course on Udemy that may be of interest. You can find out about the course and register at Confidence and Motivation Development and Maintenance

P.P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

 

 

 

Photo by Justin Morgan on Unsplash

The Power of Mindset and Why It Matters

what is mindset

 

Your mindset shapes every experience, decision and opportunity in your life. Whether you believe you can grow and improve or feel limited by your current abilities determines how you navigate challenges, relationships and success. Many people go through life without questioning their mindset, but understanding what it is and how it influences your life can be a game-changer.


Before you can start to plan your success goals, there are many things that you need to understand before you can be sure that the goals you set are really the ones you want.

One of those things is to determine if there are any Limiting Beliefs that can stop you from actually achieving those goals.

I have a self-study Limiting Belief Program that you can go through to determine what your Limiting Beliefs are and how you can remove them.

You can read more and register for the program at Limiting Beliefs Program on my Confidence and Life Coaching website.

Start your journey on your path to success by identifying and removing your Limiting Beliefs so that you make the journey a lot easier.

You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program


Your mindset is more than just a way of thinking — it’s the filter through which you see the world. It affects your confidence, resilience and ability to achieve your goals. If you want to grow, succeed and live a more fulfilling life, developing the right mindset is essential.

What Is a Mindset?

A mindset is the collection of beliefs, attitudes and assumptions that shape how you interpret and respond to the world. It influences your self-perception, interactions with others, and overall approach to life.

According to psychologist Carol Dweck, mindset is the “view you adopt” about yourself and your abilities. Your mindset determines whether you believe you can grow and improve or if you see your skills as fixed and unchangeable. This perspective influences your motivation, behaviour and ability to overcome obstacles.

Types of Mindsets

There are many types of mindsets that shape how we experience the world. The two primary ones that play the biggest role in personal growth are the fixed mindset and growth mindset:

  • Fixed Mindset: People with a fixed mindset believe their abilities, intelligence and talents are static. They see failure as a reflection of their limitations rather than an opportunity to improve.
  • Growth Mindset: Those with a growth mindset believe they can develop their abilities through effort, learning and persistence. They view failure as a stepping stone to success.

Beyond these, there are other types of mindsets that influence different areas of life:

  • Fear Mindset: Avoids risks and stays in the comfort zone out of fear of failure.
  • Abundance Mindset: Believes there are unlimited opportunities and resources available.
  • Scarcity Mindset: Focuses on lack, competition and limitations.
  • Business Mindset: Sees opportunities in challenges and is driven by strategy and results.
  • Creative Mindset: Values innovation and sees possibilities where others see problems.
  • Confident Mindset: Approaches life with self-assurance and resilience.

Your mindset is not fixed — you can shift your perspective and develop a mindset that supports growth and success.

Why Mindset Matters

Your mindset determines how you handle challenges, setbacks and achievements. It is the driving force behind your success, relationships and overall well-being. Here’s why it matters:

1. It Affects How You Handle Challenges

Your mindset determines whether you see obstacles as insurmountable problems or opportunities to grow. A growth mindset helps you embrace challenges as learning experiences, while a fixed mindset makes challenges seem like threats.

2. It Shapes Your Resilience

People with a strong mindset bounce back from setbacks more easily. They don’t let failures define them but instead use them as fuel for growth. A negative mindset, on the other hand, leads to discouragement and avoidance.

3. It Influences Your Success

Those with a growth mindset are more likely to take risks, develop new skills and push beyond their comfort zones. In contrast, a fixed mindset leads to stagnation and limited potential.

4. It Impacts Relationships

A positive, growth-oriented mindset fosters better relationships. It encourages communication, empathy and a willingness to learn from others. People with a closed mindset may struggle with insecurity, jealousy or resentment.

5. It Determines Your Confidence

When you believe you can grow and improve, you naturally become more confident. You trust yourself to handle challenges, make decisions and pursue new opportunities. A fixed mindset, however, often leads to self-doubt and fear of failure.

How to Develop a Growth Mindset

If you recognize that your mindset is limiting you, the good news is that you can change it. Here are practical steps to cultivate a growth-oriented mindset:

1. Challenge Limiting Beliefs

Pay attention to the negative thoughts that hold you back. Replace “I can’t do this” with “I’m still learning, and I can improve.”

2. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool

See mistakes as part of the learning process. Instead of avoiding challenges, view them as opportunities to grow.

3. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People

The people you spend time with influence your mindset. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage learning, resilience and progress.

4. Practice Gratitude

Focusing on what you have rather than what you lack helps reinforce a positive mindset. Gratitude shifts your perspective from scarcity to abundance.

5. Set Goals and Take Action

Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, take action. Small, consistent steps create momentum and lead to long-term growth.

Conclusion

Your mindset shapes your reality. Whether you see challenges as obstacles or opportunities, whether you focus on failure or growth, and whether you believe in your potential all come down to your mindset. By shifting to a growth-oriented perspective, you unlock new possibilities, greater confidence and long-term success. Change your mindset, and you change your life.


To talk about any aspect of success or working with a Life Coach to help you to achieve success, you can book a 30-minute call by clicking on the blue button below.

Book the call now button

Don’t try to do all of this by yourself, ask and receive the guidance that can get you moving towards your own success.

Working together can help you overcome personal and professional barriers, ensuring you reach your highest potential.

Nothing happens until action is taken.

To your success.

Michael

Michael W

 

 

 

 

P.S if you want to find out more about my programs just check out the site Confidence and Life Coaching

P.P.S. If you enjoy reading these articles on my blog, I have more books that have more of this type of information that you can find out more about at Books to Read. You can buy these ebooks at many on-line book stores. The links to the bookstores are at the link above.

P.P.P.S. You can download a free PDF containing five articles on Limiting Beliefs and how to overcome them and achieve things in your career and personal life. 

The PDF can be downloaded here (and you don’t have to register or provide an email address) Limiting Beliefs Download

Download the file and go over the other material that you can find on the Confidence and Life Coaching website.

P.P.P.P.S. If you are ready to move even further into the process of Identifying and removing and replacing your Limiting Beliefs, you should consider my short Limiting Belief’s Coaching Program

P.P.P.P.P.S. I have posted a series of articles on the “Fear of Success” at Confidence and Life Coaching. You can also request a free PDF of all 4-articles by sending me an email message at michael@coachmichaelw.com

 

 

 

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash