Nate’s Notes 277: How to Build Confidence When You Doubt Yourself | Professor Cindra Kamphoff, Certified Mental Performance Consultant

Cindra’s experience of beating herself up is probably all too common. And it wasn’t serving her well. Doubt and uncertainty are part of being human. But I loved Cindra’s technique for dealing with it: learn, burn, return. Learn from it, move past it, and get back to work.

She also shared some other great practices. Keep track of your wins so your brain has evidence of what you’re capable of. Set a range of goals so your confidence isn’t tied to one outcome. And remember that sometimes action has to come before the feeling. You don’t have to feel confident before you raise your hand, take the shot, or have the conversation.

And finally, when self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself three questions: Is this thought true? Is it serving me? And what would be a more empowering thought?

Confidence isn’t something we either have or don’t have. It’s a habit we can build.

It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously.

Cimdra Kamphoff Bio:

Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is a professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato and a sport and performance psychologist who has spent her career helping elite performers strengthen their mindset and perform at their best. She has worked one-on-one with Minnesota Vikings players, USA Track & Field athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, and executives at companies including Target and Verizon.

Cindra earned her Ph.D. in sport and performance psychology and led a national research study examining confidence in America. She is also the author of The Confidence Habit: 7 Core Practices to Transform Self-Doubt to Self-Belief, which offers practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, strengthening confidence, and performing at your best.