Everybody has experienced the moment when everything looks to be stuck.
You want to change, try something different, or go forward, but self-doubt says “What if I fail?” or “Maybe I’m not good enough.”
Everyone experiences it, including professionals, students, and even the most successful people you know. In actuality, confidence is not natural. It’s something you develop just a little at a time, silently and carefully.
Here are some gentle techniques to increase your confidence if you’ve been feeling stuck lately. Remember that you are much stronger than you realize.
- Understand that feeling stuck is acceptable.
The first step is straightforward: quit blaming yourself for your emotions.
Life is full of pauses, breaks, and messy moments; it’s not a straight road. Feeling stuck simply indicates that you’ve stopped long enough to realize something needs to change, not that you’ve failed.
You make room for healing and progress when you begin understanding the emotion rather than fight it.
Try this: write down the things that are causing you to feel stuck, such as your routine, relationships, or job, along with any minor adjustments that would make you feel better. Honesty is sometimes the first step toward clarity.
- Take One Small Action Every Day
Being confident comes from doing, not from thinking.
Your brain advises you to wait until you “feel ready” when you feel stuck. The secret is that even though you won’t feel prepared, you should continue to begin.
Every day, take one small step:
Go through two pages of a book.
Take a ten-minute walk.
Send the email you’ve been putting off.
Though they may not seem like much, these small actions build up. Your brain receives a message each time you follow through: “See? I’m capable of doing this.
And that’s how self-assurance slowly increases.
- Communicate with yourself as you would a friend.
Consider this: would you tell your friend, “You’re useless,” if they lost confidence or failed an exam?
Not, of course. “It’s okay,” you might say. You made an effort. Next time, you’ll perform better.
So why do you treat yourself so harshly?
Your self-talk has an impact on your emotions and behavior.
The next time you hear that critical voice, stop and inquire:
“Would I say this to a loved one?”
If not, make a change. Treat yourself with more kindness. It’s amazing that you’re learning.
- Take in the company of positive energy
The individuals you spend time with are important because confidence is viral.
Your confidence will slowly decrease if you are constantly surrounded by negativity, criticism, or comparisons.
Increase the amount of time you spend with people who highlight your positive traits rather than your shortcomings. Additionally, make that circle through the things you read, watch, and listen to if you don’t already have one.
Follow podcasts, mentors, or creators who inspire you rather than make you feel insufficient.
5. Continue Learning Without Waiting for “Perfect”
We may use the excuse, “I’ll start when I know everything.”
You’ll never be completely prepared, though, because perfection is a trap. When you try and learn at the same time, your confidence increases.
Even if your voice weakens a little, take that free course, begin that side project, speak up in class, or share your thoughts.
Recall that being confident doesn’t mean that you never have self-doubt; rather, it means that you show up in despite it.
- Value Little Successes (They Count Too!)
The majority of individuals only remember significant events, such as promotions, grades, or achievements. However, the little successes you frequently ignore give you more self-assurance.
Even if you didn’t feel like it, did you get out of bed?
Did you force yourself to give a speech during a meeting?
Did you decide to remain controlled instead of reacting?
Being confident is a muscle, not a light switch.
You gradually build it with patience, gentle self-talk, and little deeds.
It’s normal to have self-doubt on certain days. Just keep going.
Because you’re still developing—quietly, profoundly, beautifully—even when you feel stuck.
So relax deeply, have faith in yourself, and keep in mind that you’ve faced challenges before. You are also capable of doing this.