Waiting to feel ready? Why action can build confidence

Do you often use the word, “when”? Are you waiting for a life change before you follow your dream? Do you ever compare yourself to someone who seems confident, grabbing life by the horns and steering it in their own direction?

Many of us are guilty of putting the future off as we think we need to improve ourselves before we give ourselves permission to pursue what we want. Whether you’re waiting until you’re more confident, more successful or more experienced, here are three reasons why the wait should stop now.

1. Life is a learning curve – all of it

You’re learning to make things happen. Whatever our age or experience, we're still learning as we go. Life is a course that no one ever completes with 100% marks, and so it’s best to jump on the horse and truly enjoy the ride.

Would you rather wait for life to start, for it to come to you? Or would you rather learn on the job and gain valuable experience along the way?

2. We all have doubts

Someone who appears confident on the outside may still experience doubt or nerves. We all have doubts, but some people become more comfortable proceeding with them and may find, along the way, that the doubting voice becomes quieter.

You don't have to eliminate every doubt before you take action. Sometimes it's about acknowledging that you're nervous and deciding to take a manageable step anyway.

3. With spark comes rewards

Confidence can influence how willing you are to put yourself forward, share your ideas and pursue opportunities. You don't need to be the most experienced or accomplished person in the room to recognise what you have to offer.

Taking action also gives you something that waiting can't: experience. Each time you try something, you learn more about what you're capable of and what you might do differently next time.

Still waiting until you're more experienced, successful or confident?

Confidence doesn't always come before the action. Often, it grows because you've taken the action, learnt from it and realised you can handle more than you thought.